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epilichen lichen
Scientific Name: Epilichen scabrosus
Family: Rhizocarpaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Epilichen scabrosus: An Overview
Epilichen scabrosus, commonly known as epilichen lichen, is a fascinating lichen species belonging to the Rhizocarpaceae family.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Epilichen scabrosus (Ach.) Clem. ex Hafellner
- Common Name: Epilichen Lichen
- Family: Rhizocarpaceae
- Kingdom: Plantae (as lichens were historically studied in botany)
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Buellia scabrosa, Catillaria scabrosa (Ach.) Boistel
Life Habits and Morphology
- Epilichen scabrosus exhibits a lichenicolous, lichenized, or parasymbiotic life habit.
- The thallus (body) of the lichenized species is crustose, forming small patches on the host thallus.
- Thallus can be crustose or squamulose with a yellowish upper surface.
Distribution and Habitat
- The species has a national distribution in Canada, although its origin is currently unknown or undetermined.
- It has been found in various locations, including Wales and Romania, and is associated with heavy metal outcrops.
- It has also been found growing on other crustaceous lichens and saxicolous lichens.
Ecological Role
- Epilichen scabrosus is lichenicolous, meaning it grows on other lichens. This parasymbiotic relationship influences the lichen community.
- In some instances, its absence can indicate environmental changes, as noted in studies of unstable environments.
- Considered metallophyte, found on rocks with high metal content.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- As a lichenicolous species, Epilichen scabrosus directly interacts with other lichens, acting as a parasite or commensal.
Further Information
- Detailed information can be found in the book "Lichens of Great Britain & Ireland" by Gilbert, OL, Hawksworth, DL (2009).
- Additional resources include the USDA Plants database, Arizona State University Lichen Herbarium, and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility).