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dictyonema lichen

Scientific Name: Dictyonema glabratum

Family: Corticiaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Dictyonema: A Fascinating Lichen Genus

Dictyonema is a large and diverse genus of mainly tropical basidiolichens. These unique organisms are a symbiosis between a basidiomycete fungus and a scytonematoid cyanobacteria.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Dictyonema
  • Family: Hygrophoraceae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Genus
  • Synonyms: Dictyonema pavonium (Sw.) Parmasto (for Dictyonema glabratum)

Distribution and Habitat

Dictyonema species are primarily found in tropical regions. Specific locations mentioned include:

  • Ecuador (including the Amazon rainforest)
  • Brazil (Caraa, Minas Gerais)
  • Galapagos Islands
  • La Soufriere (tropical volcano)
  • Madeira
  • Pyrenees

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Dictyonema species generally produce easily visible thalli.
  • Dictyonema applanatum is characterized by an appressed thallus with structures on the underside resembling hapteres.
  • Some species can be quite showy, reaching up to 30 cm wide.

Ecological Role

  • Dictyonema glabratum plays an important role in some threatened ecosystems by increasing soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Dictyonema is a symbiosis between a basidiomycete fungi and a scytonematoid cyanobacteria.

Specific Species

  • Dictyonema glabratum: Also known as Cora pavonica.
  • Dictyonema huaorani: A recently discovered species in the Ecuadorian Amazon known for purported psychedelic effects, traditionally recognized by indigenous people.
  • Dictyonema sericeum: Found in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.
  • Dictyonema giganteum
  • Dictyonema schenkianum
  • Dictyonema interruptum
  • Dictyonema applanatum

Quirky Facts

  • Dictyonema huaorani is reported to have psychedelic effects and was first reported by indigenous tribes.
  • The fungal component in most lichens is an Ascomycete, but Dictyonema is one of the 1% where the fungal component is a Basidiomycete.

Resources and Further Information

  • Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora
  • Largest collection of tropical lichens online