Star Rosette Lichen
EN

Star Rosette Lichen

Physcia stellaris

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physcia_stellaris

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Star Rosette Lichen faces severe decline due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur dioxide emissions that alter bark chemistry and create unsuitable growing conditions. Urban expansion and industrial development have eliminated many of its traditional habitats on mature trees, while climate change is shifting precipitation patterns that affect the moisture-dependent reproductive cycles essential for this epiphytic species.

Threat summary

Habitat

Star Rosette Lichen grows as an epiphyte on the bark of deciduous trees, particularly favoring mature oaks, maples, and other broad-leaved species in parks, woodlands, and urban environments. It requires specific bark pH conditions and moderate air quality, making it sensitive to both pollution and habitat changes.

TERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Star Rosette Lichen classified as Endangered?
Star Rosette Lichen is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Star Rosette Lichen faces severe decline due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur dioxide emissions that alter bark chemistry and create unsuitable growing conditions. Urban expansion and industrial development have eliminated many of its traditional habitats on mature trees, while climate change is shifting precipitation patterns that affect the moisture-dependent reproductive cycles essential for this epiphytic species.
Where does Star Rosette Lichen live?
Star Rosette Lichen 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 Star Rosette Lichen?
The main threats to Star Rosette Lichen 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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