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Pin Lichen

Pin lichens, also known as calicoid lichens, are a fascinating group of crustose lichens. Their unique appearance, with small, upright fruiting bodies resembling dressmaker's pins, makes them easily recognizable.

Considerations for Pets

• Pin lichens have small fruiting bodies which could present a choking hazard for small animals.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Common Name: Pin Lichen, Pin-head Lichen
• Description: Calicoid lichen
• The term "pin lichen" describes lichens with fruiting bodies that resemble pins.
• The text mentions the genus Chaenotheca within the family Coniocybaceae.
• Chaenotheca furfuracea is mentioned with the synonym Coniocybe furfuracea.
• Cladonia macilenta is also referenced as a pin lichen, with common names "Lipstick Powderhorn" and "Pin Lichen."
• Mention of Texosporium sancti-jacobi in the Caliciaceae (Pin Lichen Family).

Morphological Characteristics

• Pin lichens are crustose, meaning they form a crust-like layer on their substrate.
• They have small fruiting bodies that point upwards, resembling dressmaker's pins. These are also referred to as apothecia.
• The fruiting body has a stalk with a powdery mass of spores on top (mazaedium).
• The apothecia can be stalked.

Distribution and Habitat

• The text mentions pin lichens in British Lichens.
• Also found in the Pacific Northwest.
• Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada.
• Charles L. Pack Experimental Forest
• Old-growth forests are a favorable habitat.

Ecological Role

• Some calicioid species (pin lichens) appear to require old bare wood.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are usually a combination of a fungus and a green algae or a blue-green algae.
• Mention of a lichen covered flow path and water beading on said lichen on a Pin Oak tree.

Quirky Facts

• The fruiting bodies of the pin lichen are shaped like tiny dressmaker's pins.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers a page about Phaeocalicium polyporaeum.