Stellate Orthotrichum Moss
Orthotrichum stellatum
Conservation status data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Photo: (c) Yankech gary, some rights reserved (CC BY-ND)
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Bryophyta
Class
Bryopsida
Order
Orthotrichales
Family
Orthotrichaceae
Genus
Orthotrichum
Stellate Orthotrichum Moss belongs to the family Orthotrichaceae, order Orthotrichales, within the Bryopsida class.
Species Profile
Species profile data sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Stellate Orthotrichum Moss faces severe threats from habitat degradation and loss of suitable substrate trees due to deforestation, urbanization, and changes in forest management practices. Air pollution and climate change further compromise this epiphytic species by altering the chemical composition of bark substrates and disrupting the humid microclimate conditions essential for its survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This epiphytic moss grows on the bark of deciduous trees, particularly in humid woodland environments and along stream corridors. It typically occurs in areas with consistent moisture levels and clean air conditions, often favoring older trees with suitable bark texture and chemistry.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Stellate Orthotrichum Moss faces severe threats from habitat degradation and loss of suitable substrate trees due to deforestation, urbanization, and changes in forest management practices. Air pollution and climate change further compromise this epiphytic species by altering the chemical composition of bark substrates and disrupting the humid microclimate conditions essential for its survival.
Air pollution affecting bark chemistry
Climate change and altered precipitation patterns
Deforestation and habitat loss
Changes in forest management practices
Urban development and fragmentation
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 | VUVulnerable | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | VUVulnerable | 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). Stellate Orthotrichum Moss (Orthotrichum stellatum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/stellate-orthotrichum-moss