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jelly lichen

Scientific Name: Collema polycarpon

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 that exhibits unique characteristics and ecological roles.

Considerations for Pets

  • The thallus (lichen body) can form flattened or erect rosettes.
  • This aquatic lichen grows on submerged rocks and boulders.
  • The lichen becomes gelatinous when wet.

Considerations for Children

  • The thallus (lichen body) can form flattened or erect rosettes.
  • This aquatic lichen grows on submerged rocks and boulders.
  • The lichen becomes gelatinous when wet.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Collema dichotomum (With.) Coppins & Laundon
  • Common Name: River Jelly Lichen
  • Family: Collemataceae
  • Order: Lecanorales
  • Synonyms: The text also mentions several other Collema species, suggesting a broader context of jelly lichens within the Collemataceae family.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The thallus is foliose (leafy), black, and gelatinous when wet.
  • It can grow up to 2-4 cm broad.
  • It features broadly rounded lobes.
  • Isidia and soredia (asexual reproductive structures) are lacking.
  • Spores are 4-septate (divided by 4 walls), hyaline (translucent), and measure 20-40 by 3-4.5 ?m.

Distribution and Habitat

  • This aquatic lichen grows on submerged rocks and boulders in fast-flowing rivers.
  • It has been found in the upper reaches of rivers, including those in Northumberland, Great Britain.

Quirky Facts

  • River Jelly Lichen looks more like a seaweed than a typical lichen.
  • When it rains, some jelly lichens absorb water until they are jelly-like.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The photobiont (photosynthetic partner) of this lichen is the cyanobacterium genus Nostoc.
  • Mentioned in context of canoe access potentially impacting it and Salmonid populations.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life provides summaries and articles.
  • ARKive has photos and facts.
  • NBNSYS0000018437 is a Taxon Version Key potentially linking to a specific database record.