Long-shanked Pincushion
CR

Long-shanked Pincushion

Ptychomitrium polyphyllum

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Photo: Photo: (c) Rafael Medina, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rafael Medina

Overview

The Long-shanked Pincushion (Ptychomitrium polyphyllum) is a small acrocarpous moss characterized by its distinctive cushion-like growth form and elongated setae (stalks) that give it its common name. This bryophyte forms compact, dark green to brownish tufts with densely packed leaves that create a characteristic pincushion appearance when viewed from above. As a pioneer species, it plays a crucial role in soil stabilization and provides microhabitat for invertebrates in rocky environments.

The Long-shanked Pincushion (Ptychomitrium polyphyllum) is critically endangered due to its extremely limited distribution and vulnerability to habitat degradation. This moss species faces severe threats from human activities that alter its specialized rocky habitat requirements and microclimate conditions.

Threat summary

Habitat

Ptychomitrium polyphyllum inhabits exposed siliceous rock faces, cliff crevices, and boulder fields, typically in areas with intermittent moisture from seepage or fog. The species shows a strong preference for acidic substrates and is often found on vertical or near-vertical rock surfaces where it can establish in thin soil accumulations within rock fissures.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Long-shanked Pincushion classified as Critically Endangered?
Long-shanked Pincushion 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. The Long-shanked Pincushion (Ptychomitrium polyphyllum) is critically endangered due to its extremely limited distribution and vulnerability to habitat degradation. This moss species faces severe threats from human activities that alter its specialized rocky habitat requirements and microclimate conditions.
Where does Long-shanked Pincushion live?
Long-shanked Pincushion 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 Long-shanked Pincushion?
The main threats to Long-shanked Pincushion 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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