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cracked lichen

Scientific Name: Acarospora applanata

Family: Acarosporaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cracked Lichen (Acarospora spp.)

Cracked lichens, often resembling cobblestone roads or cracked paint, encompass various species within the Acarospora genus. They are known for their slow growth and preference for inhospitable environments.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some species of lichens have crustose growth patterns that are often cracked or areolate, which may cause irritation if stepped on or eaten by pets.

Considerations for Children

  • Cracked lichens often grow on rocks, potentially posing a slipping hazard if children are exploring in areas where they are prevalent.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acarospora (various species)
  • Common Name: Cracked Lichen, Cobblestone Lichen
  • Family: Acarosporaceae
  • Kingdom: Fungi

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cracked lichens are found in various regions, including inhospitable areas where they grow on rocks.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Britain, Ireland, Idaho, and Portugal (Planalto das Cezaredas).
  • They have also been found in the Rocky Mountains.

Morphological Characteristics

  • They exhibit a cracked-areolate thallus, where the continuous crust may crack during growth.
  • The thallus is initially made up of separate lumps that grow together to form a continuous cracked surface.
  • Some species, like Acarospora socialis, have been observed under ultraviolet light.
  • Some species exhibit bright yellow aeroles with small apothecia.

Ecological Role

  • Lichens contribute to the weathering process by slowly breaking down rocks.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • They can grow on various surfaces, including granite, sandstone cliffs, and tree bark, sometimes alongside moss and fungi.

Further Information

  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • Mushroom Observer (mushroomobserver.org)
  • LSID JSON / WMS data links