The correct name is Geastrum pseudostriatum (NB Geastrum is a neutral word, so pseudostiatum, not pseudostriatus); synonym G. hollosii V.J. Staněk. Type materials were studied by Jeppson et al. 2013. and found conspecific.
G. pseudostriatum has also been considered synonymous with G. berkeley by some authors (Sunhede 1989, Kotlaba & Pouzar 1987) but molecular and morphlogical data has shown that it must be considered a species in its own right.(Jeppson et al. 2013).
Rare species of dry sandy grassland, sand stepp and light stepp eforests. Distribution restricted to subcontinental-continental regions of Europe; indicator species for valuable. dry grassland and steppe habitats. Historical and ongoing decline due to forestation and abandoned grazing. Also overgrazing is detrimental.
Suggested assessment: VU (C)
Europe (subcontinental-continental). Records from Spain are ambiguous (and excluded here). Occurrence in southern Russia and Ukraine could be anticipated.
Small population restricted to subcontinental-continental regions of Europe. Records from Spain are ambiguous. Not known from other continents.
Number of estimated localities: 300
Estimated number of mature individuals: 6000
EOO: appr 1,000000 km2 (record from Spain excluded)
AOO: 230 km2Habitat los/decline
Population Trend: Decreasing
Saprotrophic in dry calcareous grassland, sand steppe, light steppe woodland. Needs a low and patchy field layer with low herbs, mosses and lichens; thus favoured by a moderate soil disturbance (eg trampling by cattle).
Abandoned grazing and exploitation (road constructions, buildings etc).
Forestation
Overgrazing.The habitats for G. pseudostriatum in Sweden have a long history of decline caused by forestation and abandoned grazing. The habitat has been highlighted by national nature conservations bodies and the immediate threat is less acute.
Could potentially act as an indicator species for dry calcareous sandy grassland (EU network Natura 2000: Xeric sand calcareous grasslands EU code 6120)
Several localities are already protected as Nature Reserves in Sweden and all locailites have high nature conservation values with a high biolgical diversity (vascular plants, bryophytes, lichens, insects). If not already protected they should be considered for for such measures.
Traditional land use (grazing by cattle) should be reintroduced.
Country | Trend | Redlisted |
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