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dirinaria lichen

Scientific Name: Dirinaria aegialita

Family: Physciaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Dirinaria Lichen

This page provides information about lichens belonging to the genus Dirinaria, including the species Dirinaria picta and Dirinaria applanata.

Scientific Classification

  • Genus: Dirinaria (Tuck.) Clem.
  • Family: Physciaceae (sometimes listed as Caliciaceae)
  • Kingdom: Fungi (Lichens are a symbiotic organism consisting of both a fungus and algae)
  • Rank: Genus and Species (various species within the genus are mentioned)

Nomenclature and Synonyms

  • Scientific Names: Dirinaria picta (Sw.) Schaer. ex Clem., Dirinaria applanata, Dirinaria aegialita (Afzel. ex Ach.) B.J. Moore, Dirinaria aspera (H. Magn.) D.D. Awasthi, Dirinaria confluens (Fr.) D.D. Awasthi, Dirinaria frostii
  • Synonyms: Physcia aspera H. Magn., Frost's Smooth Rosette (for Dirinaria frostii)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Dirinaria is mainly a pantropical and subtropical genus with a widespread distribution, especially in tropical regions.
  • Specific locations mentioned include: South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Galapagos, Texas, USA, Canada, India and Malaysia.
  • Commonly found growing on tree trunks and hardwood bark.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Lichens are slow-growing symbiotic organisms.
  • Dirinaria species are described as encrusting arboreal lichens.
  • Some species have an upper part encrusted with lichen acids.
  • Some species have a lower part mostly devoid of lichen acids.
  • Described as narrow lobed and tightly attached.
  • Underside is black in color.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Lichens are a symbiotic combination of fungus and algae.
  • Often found in combination with Trentepohlia algae.

Ecological Role

  • Lichens can serve as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution. Dirinaria picta has been studied in this capacity.

Genetic and Cytological Information

  • A non-reducing polyketide synthase gene (DnPKS, 8162 bp) has been characterized from Dirinaria applanata. This gene is down-regulated by sucrose and up-regulated by an unknown substance.

Quirky Facts

  • A study aims to enhance dyeing efficiency and fastness properties of natural dyes from Dirinaria picta using ultrasound method.

Resources and Further Information

  • Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora
  • Lichen Flora of the article's editors: Nash, T.H., Ryan, B.D., Gries, C., Bungartz, F., (eds.) 2001.
  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • Biblioth. Lichenol.
  • A Monograph of the Lichen Genus Dirinaria by D.D. Awasthi (1975)