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diplotomma lichen

Scientific Name: Diplotomma alboatrum

Family: Physciaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Diplotomma Lichen

Diplotomma is a genus of lichenized fungi, belonging to the family Caliciaceae.

Common Names

  • Diplotomma Lichen
  • Grayish button lichen

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Diplotomma alboatrum (Hoffm.) Flot.
  • Rank: Species
  • Family: Caliciaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Lichen alboater Hoffm.
    • trabinella Flot.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Several Diplotomma species grow on calcareous rocks.
  • Found in various regions, including the Mediterranean, Turkey, Britain, Ireland, Greece (Aegean), and the Himalayas (China, Yunnan).
  • Diplotomma geophilum is a terricolous lichen.
  • Diplotomma alboatrum is crustose epiphytic and saxicolous, on calcareous rocks.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Diplotomma alboatrum has a lumpy, grey-whitish, cracked thallus without lobes and black apothecia that are slightly pruinose.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Lichens, including Diplotomma, consist of a symbiosis between an algae and a fungus.
  • The lichen parasite Arthonia punctella has been observed on Diplotomma epipolium.
  • Diplotomma geophilum overgrows mosses.

Quirky Facts

  • The name Diplotomma comes from the Greek words "diplo" meaning "double" and "tom" meaning "part" or "section".

Further Information

  • The Lichen Flora of Great Britain and Ireland (1992) by Natural History Museum Publication.
  • Flora of New Zealand Lichens by D.J. Galloway (2007).
  • LIAS (a database).
  • British Lichen Society.