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Agonimia: A Genus of Lichen

Agonimia is a genus of lichen-forming fungi belonging to the family Verrucariaceae. These lichens are found in diverse environments worldwide and play a role in various ecosystems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Agonimia Zahlbr.
• Family: Verrucariaceae
• Rank: Genus
• Common Name: Agonimia lichen

Species and Synonyms

• Current Taxon Name: Agonimia octospora
• Current Taxon Name: Agonimia opuntiella
• Current Taxon Name: Agonimia repleta
• Agonimia tristicula (Nyl.) Zahlbr. Synonym: Verrucaria tristicula
• Agonimia gelatinosa (Ach.) M. Brand & Diederich
• Agonimia allobata (Stizenb.)
• Agonimia borysthenica
• Agonimia blumii S.Y. Kondr.
• Agonimia vouauxii
• Agonimia flabelliformis

Distribution and Habitat

• Agonimia tristicula has been found in Ecuador (Galapagos Islands).
• These lichens are also present in Britain, Ireland, Dorset and Israel.
• They can be found among moss on riverside boulders, such as in British Columbia (Clearwater Valley, Dawson Falls).
• Specific species have also been noted in Central Poland and the Leningrad Region.
• Agonimia allobata has been found in Catalonia (NE Spain) within Quercus ilex forests.

Morphological Characteristics

• The thallus is composed of squamules, which are small scales ranging from 0.1 to 0.5mm in diameter.
• When dry, the squamules appear dull green to brown; when wet, they become bright green.
• The thallus can be minutely squamulose to granulose.

Ecology and Interactions

• Some species of Agonimia, like Agonimia tristicula, are relatively frequent in certain environments.
• Some lichens of the genus can grow on other lichens.

Further Resources

• Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
• Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora
• British Lichen Society - BLS Lichen Database
• ResearchGate