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diplotomma lichen
Scientific Name: Diplotomma ambiguum
Family: Physciaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Diplotomma Lichen
Explore the fascinating world of Diplotomma, a genus of lichenized fungi. This page provides information on various Diplotomma species, including their characteristics, distribution, and ecological roles.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Diplotomma
- Common Names: Diplotomma Lichen, Grayish Button Lichen
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Diplotomma
- Family: Caliciaceae
- Class: Lecanoromycetes
- Order: Teloschistales
- Phylum: Lichens
- Synonyms: Lichen alboater (Hoffm.), Trabinella Flot.
Distribution and Habitat
- Diplotomma species are found in various regions, including the Mediterranean, Turkey, Britain and Ireland, and the Antarctic.
- Some species, like Diplotomma alboatrum, grow on calcareous rocks.
- Diplotomma geophilum is a terricolous lichen, meaning it grows on soil, often overgrowing mosses.
Morphological Characteristics
- Diplotomma alboatrum is characterized by a lumpy thallus (body) and black apothecia (fruiting bodies). The thallus is typically grey-whitish, cracked, and lacks lobes. The black apothecia may be slightly pruinose (covered in a powdery bloom).
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Diplotomma lichens form symbiotic relationships with algae.
- The lichen parasite Arthonia punctella has been observed on Diplotomma epipolium.
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 Publications and British Lichen Society provides detailed information.