CR

Geastrum flexuosum

Local name: jordstjärnstryffel

Unknown

Overview

Geastrum flexuosum, commonly known as the flexible earthstar, is a distinctive fungus that forms star-shaped fruiting bodies with a central spore sac surrounded by pointed, leathery rays that curl back when mature. This saprobic species plays a crucial ecological role in forest ecosystems by decomposing organic matter and forming mycorrhizal associations with tree roots, facilitating nutrient cycling and supporting forest health.

Geastrum flexuosum faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized woodland environments. The species requires specific soil conditions and mycorrhizal relationships that are increasingly disrupted by human activities and environmental changes.

Threat summary

Habitat

Geastrum flexuosum inhabits mature deciduous and mixed forests with rich, well-drained soils containing abundant leaf litter and decaying organic matter. The species typically grows in small colonies on forest floors under canopy cover, particularly favoring areas with stable moisture levels and minimal soil disturbance.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Geastraceae

Geastrum melanocephalumEN

Geastrum melanocephalum

Unknown
Field EarthstarVU

Field Earthstar

Geastrum campestre

Unknown
Tiny EarthstarVU

Tiny Earthstar

Geastrum minimum

Unknown
Sessile EarthstarVU

Sessile Earthstar

Geastrum fimbriatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is jordstjärnstryffel classified as Critically Endangered?
jordstjärnstryffel is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. Geastrum flexuosum faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized woodland environments. The species requires specific soil conditions and mycorrhizal relationships that are increasingly disrupted by human activities and environmental changes.
Where does jordstjärnstryffel live?
jordstjärnstryffel occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to jordstjärnstryffel?
The main threats to jordstjärnstryffel are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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