SafePlants

Dibaeis baeomyces (Pink Earth Lichen)

Dibaeis baeomyces, commonly known as pink earth lichen, is a fascinating fruticose lichen species. Its unique appearance often leads to its misidentification as a fungus.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The lichen forms crustose, smooth or powdery thallus with spherical or flattened verruculose warts, which might be tempting for pets or children to pick at or ingest.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Dibaeis baeomyces (L. f.) Rambold &amp Hertel
• Common Name: Pink Earth Lichen
• Family: Icmadophilaceae
• Genus: Dibaeis
• Synonyms: Baeomyces roseus, Dibaeis rosea

Distribution and Habitat

• Widely distributed.
• Found in Canada (native and regularly occurring).
• Specific locations mentioned include: White Mountains, New Hampshire; Franconia Notch, White Mountains, New Hampshire; Charles Co., Maryland; Somerset Co., Maryland; UK; Slovakia; Norway; Quebec.
• Typically colonizes bare ground, including soil and gravelly moorland tracksides, often in dry woods.
• Prefers acidic soils.

Morphological Characteristics

• Thallus can be gray, white, or roseate tinged.
• It is crustose, smooth or powdery, and may be cracked.
• Characterized by spherical or flattened verruculose warts with a narrowed base, particularly in fertile plants.
• Apothecia are pink and globose.
• Described as a tiny pioneer lichen.

Ecology

• Pioneer species, capable of colonizing large patches of bare ground.

Quirky Facts

• Dibaeis baeomyces was the Lichen of the Year in 2010 (in an unspecified region).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Screened for lichenicolous fungi.

Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Dibaeis baeomyces.
• NBN Gateway: Contains distribution records for Dibaeis baeomyces in the UK.
• Natural History Museum's UK Species Inventory: Provides observations of Dibaeis baeomyces.