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Frutidella caesioatra

Frutidella caesioatra is a species of lichenized fungus belonging to the genus Frutidella. The genus itself is monotypic, meaning it only contains this single species.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

• Scientific Name: Frutidella caesioatra (Schaerer) Kalb
• Family: Ramalinaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi
• Synonyms:
  • Lecidea arctica Sommerf.
  • Lecidea arctica f. arctica Sommerf.
  • Lecidea caesioatra Schaer.
  • Lecidella caesioatra (Schaer.) Kalb
• Basionym: Lecidea caesioatra Schaer. 1818

Distribution and Habitat:

• Found in Antarctica/subantarctic or Southern Ocean regions.
• Observed in locations such as British Columbia Coast Ranges, near Whistler, growing on granite talus in forest clearing, upper montane.
• Observed in Norway, Hordaland, Odda.
• Also found on mosses on rock.
• Occurs frequently on soil.
• Found in New Zealand.

Morphological Characteristics:

• Lichenous growth habit.
• Described as a crustose lichen.
• Forms a distinctive lichen that grows on moss over rocks, often in the most elevated areas.
• The entire lichen is covered with light gray soralia.

Ecology:

• Coexists with other lichen species such as Lepraria spp., Porpidia contraponenda, and Stereocaulon tornense.
• Also found alongside Massalongia spp., Ochrolechia frigida, Usnea aurantiaco-atra and Usnea trachycarpa.

Quirky Facts:

• The name "Perluvo" is associated with Frutidella caesioatra in some contexts, possibly in Icelandic.

Further Information:

• Index Fungorum: http://www.indexfungorum.org/names/NamesRecord.asp?RecordID=442564
• Encyclopedia of Life: Explore what EOL knows about Frutidella caesioatra.
• Discover Life: Discover Life&#39s page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Frutidella caesioatra - Lecidea arctica -- Discover Life.
• Checklist and Red List of lichens of the Czech Republic: http://www.preslia.cz/P082Lis.pdf