Geastrum quadrifidum
Geastrum quadrifidum Pers. : Pers.
Geastraceae
Conservation status. Endangered [EN B1ab(iii,iv)+2ab(ii,iii)].
Morphology and biology. Fruit-bodies globular or subglobular when immature. Mature fruit-body 1–6 cm high, longer than wide, with a double-layered peridium: endoperidium, covering the endoperidial body with gleba; exoperidium, opening in (3)4(6) radial parts, star-shaped. Exoperidium 1.5–9 cm in diameter when open. Endoperidial body globular or in various shapes: ovoid, pear-shaped to elliptical, 0.3–1.5 cm in diameter, on a 0.3–2.5 mm long stalk. Peristome conical, finely fibrillose, opening through an aperture. Gleba dark brown. Spores globose (4.5)5–6 µm in diameter, brown to yellow brown, echinate to verrucose, forming a dark brown mixture with capilicia. VI–X.
Habitats and populations. On the ground in coniferous (spruce – Picea, pines – Pinus) and mixed forests (spruce-beech, beech forests mixed with spruce, fir, pine, hornbeam, birch, etc.).
Distribution in Bulgaria. Rila Mts (Sestrimo), Rhodopi Mts (Central – Momchilovski Dol Managed Nature Reserve, Chepelare), 1000–1500 m alt.
General distribution. Europe, Asia.
Threats. Habitat loss/degradation caused by stock breeding, wood plantations, logging, urbanization, tourism development, soil pollution.
Conservation measures taken. Included in the Red List of Fungi in Bulgaria. Several localities are situated within the borders of Rila National Park and Momchilovski Dol Managed Nature Reserve. Some localities are in sites of the European ecological network Natura 2000 in Bulgaria.
Conservation measures needed. Study of the population numbers and range; better understanding of the species biology and ecology; conservation of the habitats; regular monitoring.
References. Hinkova 1958a, b; Gyosheva & Andreeva 2000; Denchev et al. 2006; Denchev & Assyov 2010.
Authors: Roumyana D. Petrova & Cvetomir M. Denchev
