Assessment Notes

Justification

Cantharellus tricolor is known only from Madagascar. There does appear to be only one known site where it could occur in the absence of introduced vegetation, and so while it is tentatively treated as native here, more research is needed. It appears to occur over a large area in the country, and given its habitat preferences it is not suspected to be under any imminent threat. Therefore, it is assessed as Least Concern.

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Geographic range

Cantharellus tricolor is known only from Madagascar. The type specimen was collected from the vicinity of Ranomafana National Park, but further specimens have come from the east of the country, e.g. near Ambila Lemaitso, in Eucalyptus plantations in the Central Highlands, and from near Antananarivo, where it has been bought from local vendors (Ariyawansa et al. 2015).

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Population and Trends

There is no quantitative information regarding the population size and trend.

Population Trend: Unknown

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Habitat and Ecology

This species has predominantly been found growing in introduced vegetation, although it has been recorded from one site where there is potentially only endemic vegetation (Ariyawansa et al. 2015).

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Threats

It is not thought to face any significant threats given its habitat preferences.

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Conservation Actions

Work should be conducted to ascertain whether this species is strictly native to Madagascar, or whether it could be a result of an accidental introduction with plantations.

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Use and Trade

This species is sold by local vendors (Ariyawansa et al. 2015), presumably for consumption.

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Source and Citation

Westrip, J.R.S. 2025. Cantharellus tricolor. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2025: e.T189960589A269712601. Accessed on 23 November 2025.

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• Country occurrence