SafePlants

Soot Lichen: A Comprehensive Overview

Soot lichen refers to several species of lichenized fungi belonging to the Caliciaceae family. These lichens are often found in environments impacted by air pollution, and several species are commonly referred to as "soot lichen."

Scientific and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Various species within the Cyphelium genus, including:
  • Cyphelium notarisii
  • Cyphelium pinicola
  • Cyphelium lucidum
  • Cyphelium tigillare
  • Cyphelium brunneum
  • Cyphelium inquinans
  • Cyphelium karelicum
• Common Name: Soot Lichen, Notaris' Soot Lichen, Yellow Soot Lichen (for some species)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Fungi
• Family: Caliciaceae
• Synonyms: Cyphelium inquinans (Sm.) Trevis. is a synonym for one species of Soot Lichen.

Distribution and Habitat

• Soot lichens are found in Europe and North America.
• They typically grow on wood, often in areas with smoke or soot deposits.
• Some species are found on trees in locations such as Lake Superior, Ontario, Canada and Ruhnu.

Ecological Role

• Soot lichens are considered natural indicators of air pollution.
• They can contribute to damage to buildings and trees by depositing soot.
• Some species are vulnerable, with low estimated numbers of individuals and habitat size.

Morphological Characteristics

• The fruiting bodies of soot lichens are small and disc-shaped, resembling cup-fungi, but are solitary and black.
• Some species are crustose lichens with yellow areoles and black apothecia immersed in the thallus.
• Many lichens, including yellow soot lichen, are so small that a magnifying glass is needed to see them.

Quirky Facts

• Some varieties of Soot Lichen are yellow.
• Soot Lichen can be found on older trees that have soot deposits.
• Soot Lichen grows on trees, even on an island like Ruhnu.