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dirinaria lichen

Scientific Name: Dirinaria applanata

Family: Physciaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Dirinaria picta and Other Dirinaria Lichens

This page provides information about Dirinaria picta and related Dirinaria lichens, a group of fascinating symbiotic organisms found in diverse environments.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that the upper part of some Dirinaria species can be encrusted with lichen acids.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that the upper part of some Dirinaria species can be encrusted with lichen acids.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Dirinaria picta (Sw.) Schaer. ex Clem.
  • Common Name: Dirinaria Lichen
  • Family: Physciaceae (sometimes Caliciaceae is mentioned)
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Synonyms:
    • Lichen pictus Sw.
    • Dirinaria aspera (H. Magn.) D.D. Awasthi = Physcia aspera H. Magn.
    • Dirinaria aegialita (Afzel. ex Ach.) B.J. Moore

Distribution and Habitat

  • Dirinaria is mainly a pantropical and subtropical genus with a widespread distribution, especially in tropical regions.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • Thailand (Dirinaria picta)
    • South Korea (Dirinaria applanata and Dirinaria picta)
    • Taiwan (Dirinaria aegialita)
    • Galapagos Islands (Dirinaria picta)
    • Singapore (Dirinaria picta)
    • Texas, USA (Dirinaria aspera)
  • Often found growing on tree trunks.

Ecological Role

  • Used as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution in studies.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Dirinaria is a genus of lichenized fungi.
  • It is described as encrusting and arboreal.
  • Some species have a scarlet red upper part.
  • General description of a gelatinous lichen: Narrow lobed, tightly attached, with underside black and lacking.

Genetic 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 other factors.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Dirinaria is a symbiotic organism consisting of a fungus and algae.
  • Often found growing alongside Trentepohlia algae.

Quirky Facts

  • A study focused on enhancing dyeing efficiency and fastness properties of natural dyes from Dirinaria picta using ultrasound method.
  • A monograph dedicated to the lichen genus Dirinaria was published with a physical spine on the cover!

Further Information

  • Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora
  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • Bibliotheca Lichenologica volume 2