SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 185.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "185" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

cracked lichen

Scientific Name: Acarospora caesiofusca

Family: Acarosporaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cracked Lichens (Acarospora spp.)

The term "cracked lichen" commonly refers to various species within the genus Acarospora. These lichens are known for their distinctive appearance, resembling cracked cobblestones or old, cracked paint.

Considerations for Pets

  • Cracked lichens often grow on rocks and other outdoor surfaces.

Considerations for Children

  • Cracked lichens often grow on rocks and other outdoor surfaces.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Acarospora
  • Family: Acarosporaceae
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Synonyms: Several species are referred to as "cracked lichen," including:
    • Acarospora aeruginosa Hasse
    • Acarospora albomarginata (Herre) Salisb.
    • Acarospora arenosa Herre
    • Acarospora schleicheri (Schleicher's Cracked Lichen)
    • Acarospora hilaris
  • Symbol: ACARO2

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cracked lichens are extremely rare and can take decades to grow on a single rock.
  • They typically grow in very inhospitable regions.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • Idaho
    • Rocky Mountains
    • Planalto das Cezaredas, Portugal (Acarospora nodulosa)

Morphological Characteristics

  • Their thallus (lichen body) can be cracked-areolate, meaning it has a cracked surface divided into small areas.
  • Initially, the thallus consists of separate lumps growing on the prothallus, which often grow together.
  • Some species, like Buellia subalbula, have a distinctive white, cracked thallus that appears slightly frosted.
  • Certain cracked lichens have angular, bright yellow aeroles with small, darker apothecia immersed in the aeroles.

Ecological Role

  • Lichens, in general, work very slowly to break down rocks, contributing to weathering processes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • They frequently grow on rocks, granite, sandstone, and even tree bark.

Further Information

  • Mushroom Observer: Offers observations and images of Acarospora nodulosa and other lichens.
  • Catalogue of Life: Provides taxonomic information.