No images found for this plant ID: 10198.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "10198" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

chaenothecopsis lichen

Scientific Name: Chaenothecopsis rubescens

Family: Mycocaliciaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Chaenothecopsis: A Glimpse into the World of Lichen-Associated Fungi

Chaenothecopsis is a genus of fungi often associated with lichens. They are sometimes parasitic or commensal on lichens, free-living algae, or found on wood. This makes them a fascinating group for ecological study.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chaenothecopsis Vain.
  • Rank: Genus
  • Family: Mycocaliciaceae
  • Order: Mycocaliciales
  • Class: Eurotiomycetes
  • Phylum: Lichens (Note: While traditionally studied with lichens, Chaenothecopsis itself may not always be lichen-forming.)
  • Synonyms: Some species have been reclassified. For example, Calicium debile is a synonym for Chaenothecopsis debilis, and Chaenothecopsis pusilla curtisii is a synonym for asikkalense Vainio.

Distribution and Habitat

Chaenothecopsis species are found in various regions globally, including:

  • The Greater Sonoran Desert Region
  • Norway
  • China (Yunnan)
  • Colombia (Huila)
  • Germany
  • Bdmeren Forest area
  • British Columbia (Clearwater Valley, Dawson Falls)

They often inhabit dead wood or are associated with other lichens and algae.

Ecological Role

Chaenothecopsis species exhibit diverse ecological roles:

  • Parasitic/Commensal: Many species are parasitic or commensal on lichens.
  • Substrate Decomposition: Some species are found on decaying wood (lignum).

Morphological Characteristics

  • Chaenothecopsis is characterized by a stalked capitulum lacking a mazaedium, and short asci.

Species Examples

  • Chaenothecopsis amurensis
  • Chaenothecopsis consociata
  • Chaenothecopsis debilis
  • Chaenothecopsis dolichocephala
  • Chaenothecopsis epithallina
  • Chaenothecopsis exilis (Pin lichen)
  • Chaenothecopsis exserta
  • Chaenothecopsis nana
  • Chaenothecopsis neocaledonica
  • Chaenothecopsis nigra
  • Chaenothecopsis ochroleuca
  • Chaenothecopsis pusilla
  • Chaenothecopsis resinicola
  • Chaenothecopsis rubescens
  • Chaenothecopsis rubina
  • Chaenothecopsis sanguinea
  • Chaenothecopsis savonica
  • Chaenothecopsis subpusilla
  • Chaenothecopsis subparoica
  • Chaenothecopsis tasmanica
  • Chaenothecopsis ussuriensis
  • Chaenothecopsis vainioana

Further Information

  • PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov)
  • British Lichen Society (BLS) Lichen Database
  • Dyntaxa - Svensk taxonomisk databas
  • MushroomObserver.org