vs Rayed Earthstar

Geastrum melanocephalum compared with Geastrum quadrifidum

Key Differences

• is Endangered while Rayed Earthstar is Extinct.

Taxonomic Classification

Rank		Rayed Earthstar
Kingdom same	Fungi (Fungi)	Fungi (Fungi)
Phylum same	Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)	Basidiomycota (Club Fungi)
Class same	Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)	Agaricomycetes (Mushrooms)
Order same	Geastrales (Geastrales)	Geastrales (Geastrales)
Family same	Geastraceae	Geastraceae
Genus same	Geastrum	Geastrum
Species	Geastrum melanocephalum	Geastrum quadrifidum

Evolutionary Relationship

and Rayed Earthstar share a common ancestor at the Genus level: Geastrum.

Conservation Status

EN — Endangered

Rayed Earthstar

EX — Extinct

Physical Characteristics

Attribute		Rayed Earthstar
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Habitat

Typically found in forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species faces significant conservation challenges across its range.

Rayed Earthstar

Habitat

Typically found in forest floors, decomposing wood, and soil ecosystems.

Range

Distributed across Belgium, Norway, and Sweden.

Geastrum melanocephalum is an earthstar fungus in the family Geastraceae, assessed as Endangered (EN). It produces distinctive star-shaped fruiting bodies with a dark-capped spore sac and is found in stable, undisturbed grassland and woodland edge habitats. Its endangered status reflects sensitivity to habitat disturbance and the decline of traditional land management practices.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 2 countries:

🇳🇴 Norway 🇸🇪 Sweden