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jelly lichen
Scientific Name: Collema callopismum var. rhyparodes
Family: Collemataceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
River Jelly Lichen (Collema dichotomum)
The River Jelly Lichen, scientifically known as Collema dichotomum, is a fascinating lichen species often mistaken for seaweed due to its appearance.
Considerations for Pets
- This lichen grows on submerged rocks and boulders, so there is low exposure potential to house pets.
Considerations for Children
- The lichen can be found on rocks.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Collema dichotomum (With.) Coppins & Laundon
- Common Name: River Jelly Lichen
- Family: Collemataceae
- Order: Lecanorales
Description
- The thallus (lichen body) forms flattened or erect, bright to dark green rosettes.
- When wet, it becomes gelatinous.
- It is a cyanobacteria-containing jelly lichen.
- The lobes are convex, finger-like, and typically one to two centimeters long.
Distribution and Habitat
- This aquatic lichen grows on submerged rocks and boulders in fast-flowing rivers.
- It has been found in Northumberland, Wales and Dorset.
Additional Collema Species Mentioned:
- Collema fasciculare
- Collema crispum
- Collema auriforme
- Collema flaccidum
- Collema fragile
- Collema multipartitum
- Collema furfuraceum
- Collema nigrescens
- Collema tenax
- Collema coccophorum
- Collema conglomeratum (Synonym: C. ohioense)
Ecological Role
- Safeguarding its populations is important, especially against developments that might compromise its conservation.
Associated Organisms
- The photobiont (the photosynthetic partner in the lichen symbiosis) is the cyanobacterium genus Nostoc.
Further Information
- Encyclopedia of Life
- ARKive