SafePlants

Soot Lichen (Cyphelium spp.)

Soot lichen refers to various species within the genus Cyphelium, belonging to the family Caliciaceae. Several species are referred to as "soot lichen," including Cyphelium notarisii, Cyphelium pinicola, Cyphelium lucidum, Cyphelium tigillare, Cyphelium brunneum, and Cyphelium inquinans. These lichenized fungi are known for their association with sooty environments.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that soot lichen grows on wood, often in areas with smoke and soot deposits. This suggests it might be found on wooden structures or trees in environments that pets frequent.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that soot lichen grows on wood, often in areas with smoke and soot deposits. This suggests it might be found on wooden structures or trees in environments that children frequent.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Fungi
• Phylum: Ascomycota (Sac Fungi)
• Family: Caliciaceae
• Synonyms: Cyphelium inquinans (Sm.) Trevis. is listed as a synonym for some soot lichen species.
• Cyphelium notarisii is also known as Notaris' Soot Lichen.

Distribution and Habitat

• Soot lichen species are found in Europe and North America.
• They typically grow on wood, often in areas affected by smoke and soot.
• Cyphelium lucidum has been observed in locations like the North Shore of Lake Superior, Ontario, Canada.

Ecological Role

• Lichens, including soot lichens, are natural indicators of air pollution. Their presence or absence can reflect air quality in a given area.
• Soot lichens are sensitive to air pollution, particularly soot. The presence of soot can negatively impact their survival.

Morphological Characteristics

• The fruiting bodies are small and disc-shaped, resembling cup-fungi.
• Soot lichens are often solitary and black in color.
• Some species, like Cyphelium tigillare and Cyphelium pinicola, are referred to as "Yellow Soot Lichen" and have yellow areoles (small, granular areas on the lichen's surface).
• They are crustose lichens, meaning they form a crust-like layer on the substrate.

Quirky Facts

• The presence of soot lichens, or lack thereof, has been historically linked to industrial melanism in peppered moths. Before the Industrial Revolution, silvery lichens covered tree trunks, providing camouflage for light-colored moths. As soot pollution increased, the lichens died, and darker moths had a survival advantage.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Soot lichen can grow on trees.

Further Information

• Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual is mentioned as a source of information about Cyphelium notarisii