Tiny Earthstar
VU

Tiny Earthstar

Geastrum minimum

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Tiny Earthstar faces significant pressure from habitat degradation as its specialized woodland environments are increasingly fragmented by urban development and intensive forestry practices. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the delicate moisture and temperature conditions this fungus requires for successful fruiting and spore dispersal. Agricultural expansion and soil disturbance in surrounding areas further reduce suitable habitat patches, while pollution from agricultural runoff may affect the soil chemistry essential for its mycorrhizal relationships.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Tiny Earthstar inhabits deciduous and mixed woodlands, particularly favoring areas with rich, well-drained soils and abundant leaf litter. It typically grows in small colonies on woodland floors where it forms mycorrhizal associations with tree roots, requiring stable moisture conditions and minimal soil disturbance.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Geastraceae

Geastrum melanocephalumEN

Geastrum melanocephalum

Unknown
Field EarthstarVU

Field Earthstar

Geastrum campestre

Unknown
Sessile EarthstarVU

Sessile Earthstar

Geastrum fimbriatum

Unknown
VU

Striated Earthstar

Geastrum striatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Tiny Earthstar classified as Vulnerable?
Tiny Earthstar is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Tiny Earthstar faces significant pressure from habitat degradation as its specialized woodland environments are increasingly fragmented by urban development and intensive forestry practices. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the delicate moisture and temperature conditions this fungus requires for successful fruiting and spore dispersal. Agricultural expansion and soil disturbance in surrounding areas further reduce suitable habitat patches, while pollution from agricultural runoff may affect the soil chemistry essential for its mycorrhizal relationships.
Where does Tiny Earthstar live?
Tiny Earthstar 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 Tiny Earthstar?
The main threats to Tiny Earthstar 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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