Violet Crowncup
VU

Violet Crowncup

Sarcosphaera coronaria

Unknown

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

Overview

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

The Violet Crowncup faces significant pressure from habitat degradation as old-growth coniferous forests are cleared for timber harvesting and urban development. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific soil chemistry and moisture conditions this mycorrhizal fungus requires for fruiting. Over-collection by foragers and mycologists further reduces reproductive populations, particularly in accessible forest areas near population centers.

Threat summary

Habitat

This distinctive cup fungus inhabits mature coniferous forests, particularly those dominated by spruce, fir, and pine species across mountainous regions of Europe and North America. It forms mycorrhizal associations with tree roots and typically fruits in sandy or well-drained acidic soils during spring months.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Pezizaceae

Brain-Like HydnobolitesVU

Brain-Like Hydnobolites

Hydnobolites cerebriformis

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Violet Crowncup classified as Vulnerable?
Violet Crowncup 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 Violet Crowncup faces significant pressure from habitat degradation as old-growth coniferous forests are cleared for timber harvesting and urban development. Climate change poses an additional threat by altering the specific soil chemistry and moisture conditions this mycorrhizal fungus requires for fruiting. Over-collection by foragers and mycologists further reduces reproductive populations, particularly in accessible forest areas near population centers.
Where does Violet Crowncup live?
Violet Crowncup 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 Violet Crowncup?
The main threats to Violet Crowncup 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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