Gilbender Rasling
Lyophyllum aemiliae
The Gilbender Rasling (Lyophyllum aemiliae) is a rare saprotrophic fungus characterized by its distinctive pale gray to silvery caps that develop characteristic bending or curving stems as they mature. This critically endangered species plays a vital ecological role in decomposing organic matter in its specialized habitat, contributing to nutrient cycling in fragile ecosystems.
11
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Agaricales
Family
Lyophyllaceae
Genus
Lyophyllum
Gilbender Rasling belongs to the family Lyophyllaceae, order Agaricales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
The Gilbender Rasling (Lyophyllum aemiliae) is a rare saprotrophic fungus characterized by its distinctive pale gray to silvery caps that develop characteristic bending or curving stems as they mature. This critically endangered species plays a vital ecological role in decomposing organic matter in its specialized habitat, contributing to nutrient cycling in fragile ecosystems.
The Gilbender Rasling faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to deforestation and urban development in its limited range. Climate change is altering the specific moisture and temperature conditions this fungus requires for fruiting and mycelial growth. Pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities is degrading the soil chemistry essential for this species' survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Inhabits mature deciduous and mixed forests with rich, well-drained soils, typically growing in association with decaying organic matter and leaf litter at elevations between 200-800 meters. Requires specific soil pH conditions and consistent moisture levels found in undisturbed woodland ecosystems.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
The Gilbender Rasling faces severe threats from habitat destruction due to deforestation and urban development in its limited range. Climate change is altering the specific moisture and temperature conditions this fungus requires for fruiting and mycelial growth. Pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities is degrading the soil chemistry essential for this species' survival.
Climate change altering moisture regimes
Habitat loss from deforestation
Soil pollution from agricultural chemicals
Urban development pressure
Collection pressure from foragers
Found in 11 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Gilbender Rasling (Lyophyllum aemiliae). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/gilbender-rasling