No images found for this plant ID: 11598.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "11598" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
jelly lichen
Scientific Name: Collema leptaleum
Family: Collemataceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
River Jelly Lichen: A Unique Aquatic Organism
Explore the fascinating world of the River Jelly Lichen, a distinctive lichen species that thrives in aquatic environments.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions the River Jelly Lichen grows on submerged rocks, which are unlikely to be encountered by most household pets.
Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Collema dichotomum (With.) Coppins & Laundon
- Common Name: River Jelly Lichen
- Family: Collemataceae
- Order: Lecanorales
- Synonyms:
- C. ohioense (for COLLEMA CONGLOMERATUM)
Description and Morphology
- The thallus (lichen body) forms flattened or erect, bright to dark green rosettes.
- When wet, the thallus becomes gelatinous.
- The lobes are convex, finger-like, and typically one to two centimeters long.
- Some species are foliose (leafy). The thallus can be up to 2-4 cm broad, black, gelatinous when wet, with broadly rounded lobes. Isidia and soredia are lacking. Spores are 4-septate, hyaline, and measure 20-40 by 3-4.5.
Habitat and Distribution
- This aquatic lichen grows on submerged rocks and boulders in fast-flowing water.
- Specifically mentioned as being found in the upper reaches of rivers in Northumberland.
- Also noted as being present in Wales.
- Collema nigrescens is found growing on the bark of trees in wetter coastal parts.
Ecological Role
- Lichens are organisms formed by the symbiotic association of a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. In this case, the photobiont (the photosynthetic partner) is the cyanobacterium genus Nostoc.
- It's a key species where conservation is concerned, so outdoor river pursuits that might compromise its habitat are advised against.
Quirky Facts
- River Jelly Lichen looks more like a seaweed than a lichen.
- Jelly lichens absorb water until they are jelly-like.
- Some species of Jelly Lichen are also referred to as Bat's Wings.
Further Information
- ARKive provides photos and facts about the River Jelly Lichen.
- Encyclopedia of Life includes summaries and articles about Collema dichotomum.
- APHOTOFUNGI and APHOTOMARINE have photographic stock libraries.
- Australian Plant Names Index