large greasewort
Aneura maxima
Aneura maxima is a large, robust liverwort species characterized by its broad, dark green thallus that can reach exceptional sizes compared to other members of its genus. This bryophyte plays a crucial ecological role in maintaining moisture levels and providing microhabitat structure in specialized wetland environments, while also contributing to nutrient cycling through its decomposition processes.
31
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Marchantiophyta
Class
Jungermanniopsida
Order
Metzgeriales
Family
Aneuraceae
Genus
Aneura
large greasewort belongs to the family Aneuraceae, order Metzgeriales, within the Jungermanniopsida class.
Species Profile
Aneura maxima is a large, robust liverwort species characterized by its broad, dark green thallus that can reach exceptional sizes compared to other members of its genus. This bryophyte plays a crucial ecological role in maintaining moisture levels and providing microhabitat structure in specialized wetland environments, while also contributing to nutrient cycling through its decomposition processes.
Aneura maxima, a critically endangered liverwort, faces severe threats from habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. The species has an extremely limited distribution and small population size, making it highly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbances. Climate change and altered hydrology pose additional risks to the moist, stable conditions this bryophyte requires for survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Aneura maxima inhabits permanently moist to wet acidic soils along stream banks, seepage areas, and the margins of bogs and fens where consistent water flow maintains optimal humidity levels. The species typically occurs in partially shaded locations where organic matter accumulates and pH remains low.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Aneura maxima, a critically endangered liverwort, faces severe threats from habitat destruction and degradation of its specialized wetland environments. The species has an extremely limited distribution and small population size, making it highly vulnerable to environmental changes and human disturbances. Climate change and altered hydrology pose additional risks to the moist, stable conditions this bryophyte requires for survival.
Climate change and altered precipitation patterns
Habitat destruction and fragmentation
Hydrological changes and water management
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Invasive species competition
Found in 31 Countries
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | DDData Deficient | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | DDData Deficient | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
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
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). large greasewort (Aneura maxima). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/large-greasewort