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cracked lichen

Scientific Name: Acarospora albomarginata

Family: Acarosporaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cracked Lichen: A Detailed Overview

Cracked lichens, often resembling cobblestone roads or cracked paint, belong to the genus Acarospora. This group encompasses various species, each with unique characteristics.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Cracked lichens often grow on rocks and other surfaces.
  • The text mentions some lichens growing on trees.
  • Some related conditions involving the term "lichen" may cause cracking and bleeding of skin.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Acarospora (genus)
  • Common Names: Cobblestone Lichen, Cracked Lichen

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Phylum: Ascomycota
  • Class: Lecanoromycetes
  • Order: Agyriales
  • Family: Acarosporaceae
  • Genus: Acarospora
  • Examples of Species:
    • Acarospora aeruginosa Hasse - Cracked Lichen
    • Acarospora albomarginata (Herre) Salisb. - Cracked Lichen
    • Acarospora arenosa Herre - Cracked Lichen
    • Acarospora schleicheri - Schleicher's Cracked Lichen

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cracked lichens are found in inhospitable regions.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • Britain and Ireland
    • Idaho
    • Rocky Mountains
    • Planalto das Cezaredas, Portugal
    • Samut Sakhon, Thailand (on soil)
  • They often grow on rocks, granite, sandstone cliffs, bark, and wood.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • These lichens often form a crust-like (crustaceous) thallus.
  • The thallus may be cracked-areolate, meaning it has a cracked surface divided into small areas.
  • Initially, the thallus is made up of separate lumps that can grow together.
  • Some species have angular, bright yellow aeroles with small, darker apothecia.
  • The lichen's growth can be extremely slow, taking decades to grow over a single rock.
  • Some species have a white, cracked thallus that appears frosted.

Quirky Facts

  • It can take decades for cracked lichens to grow over a single rock.
  • Some species look like cobblestone roads or cracked paint.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Lichens contribute to the breakdown of rocks, albeit slowly.
  • They can grow alongside moss and fungi on surfaces like tree trunks and wood.

Resources and Further Information

  • Mushroom Observer: http://mushroomobserver.org/
  • Catalogue of Life