SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 11336.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "11336" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

jelly lichen

Scientific Name: Collema ceraniscum

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 with a unique appearance and specific habitat requirements.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a jelly lichen, it absorbs water and becomes jelly-like when wet.

Considerations for Children

  • As a jelly lichen, it absorbs water and becomes jelly-like when wet.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Collema dichotomum (With.) Coppins &amp Laundon
  • Common Name: River Jelly Lichen
  • Family: Collemataceae
  • Order: Lecanorales
  • Synonyms: Some texts mention the presence of synonyms, and others reference the former "Lecanorales" classification, indicating that this species might be subject to ongoing taxonomic re-evaluation.
  • Taxon Version Key: NBNSYS0000018437

Distribution and Habitat

  • The River Jelly Lichen is an aquatic lichen.
  • It grows on submerged rocks and boulders in fast-flowing rivers.
  • It has been found in the upper reaches of rivers in Northumberland and is mentioned in the context of a Local Biodiversity Action Plan for Wales.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The thallus (lichen body) is foliose and can reach 2-4 cm in breadth.
  • When wet, it has a black, gelatinous appearance.
  • It has broadly rounded lobes and lacks isidia and soredia.
  • Spores are 4-septate, hyaline, and measure 20-40 by 3-4.5 ?m.

Quirky Facts

  • Collema dichotomum is described as looking more like seaweed than a lichen.
  • Other jelly lichens in general, like Collema, absorb water until they are jelly-like.
  • Other jelly lichens prefer to grow where mist comes in.

Related Species

  • There are many different species of jelly lichen including Collema fasciculare, Collema crispum, Collema auriforme, Collema flaccidum, Collema fragile, Collema multipartitum, Collema furfuraceum.

Further Information

  • More information and photos are available on ARKive.
  • Information can also be found in the Encyclopedia of Life.
  • Photographic stock libraries such as APHOTOMARINE and APHOTOFUNGI feature images of related Collema species.