large greasewort
Aneura maxima
Photo: Photo: (c) Helen Waterman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Helen Waterman
Overview
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.
Habitat
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.
Other threatened species in Aneuraceae
Threatened in Australia
Frequently asked questions
Why is large greasewort classified as Critically Endangered?
Where does large greasewort live?
What are the main threats to large greasewort?
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