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jelly lichen
Scientific Name: Collema auriforme
Family: Collemataceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
River Jelly Lichen: A Unique Symbiotic Organism
The River Jelly Lichen, scientifically known as Collema dichotomum, is a fascinating example of a lichen, a symbiotic partnership between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium.
Considerations for Pets
- Some lichens can resemble seaweed, potentially attracting curious pets.
Considerations for Children
- The jelly-like texture might be appealing to children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Collema dichotomum (With.) Coppins & Laundon
- Common Name: River Jelly Lichen
- Family: Collemataceae
- Rank: Species
- Note: The text mentions several other Collema species, including Collema fasciculare, Collema crispum, Collema auriforme, Collema flaccidum, Collema fragile, Collema multipartitum, Collema furfuraceum, Collema coccophorum, Collema tenax, Collema fuscovirens, and Collema conglomeratum (synonym: C. ohioense).
- Other names: Small-spored jelly lichen, Collme ctes spores
Description and Characteristics
- The thallus (lichen body) forms flattened or erect, bright to dark green rosettes.
- Collema dichotomum can look more like a seaweed than a typical lichen.
- It features convex, finger-like lobes that are about one to two centimeters long.
- When wet, the thallus becomes gelatinous.
- The thallus is foliose, black, and can grow to 2-4 cm broad.
- Spores are 4-septate, hyaline, and measure 20-40 by 3-4.5 ?m.
Distribution and Habitat
- River Jelly Lichen grows on submerged rocks and boulders in fast-flowing rivers.
- It is found in the upper reaches of rivers, as exemplified by its presence in Northumberland.
Ecological Role
- Safeguarding River Jelly Lichen populations is essential, especially against developments that might compromise their conservation. Canoe access may also have an impact on it.
Symbiotic Relationship
- The photobiont (the photosynthetic partner) in Collema lichens is the cyanobacterium genus Nostoc.
Quirky Facts
- The text mentions that some jelly lichens absorb water until they are jelly-like after it rains.
Further Information
- ARKive: Contains photos and facts about River Jelly Lichen.
- Encyclopedia of Life: Includes summaries and articles about Collema dichotomum.
- APHOTOFUNGI and APHOTOMARINE: Photographic stock libraries featuring images of various Collema species.
- ResearchGate: Contains studies about Leptogium aragonhi.