Geastrum flexuosum
Local name: jordstjärnstryffel
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.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Geastrales
Family
Geastraceae
Genus
Geastrum
Geastrum flexuosum belongs to the family Geastraceae, order Geastrales, within the Agaricomycetes class.
Species Profile
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.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
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.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
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.
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Soil degradation and contamination
Climate change impacts on moisture regimes
Disruption of mycorrhizal networks
Collection pressure
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). Geastrum flexuosum (Geastrum flexuosum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/jordstjarnstryffel