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Gongylia Lichen

This page provides information about the lichen genus Gongylia, including its taxonomy, nomenclature, and other relevant details.

Scientific and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Gongylia (with various species mentioned, including Gongylia muscorum)
• Common Name: Gongylia Lichen

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Fungi (Lichens)
• Phylum: Ascomycota
• Class: Pezizomycetes
• Family: Arthrorhaphidaceae (for some species like Gongylia norvegica) or Sphaeriales (for others)
• Rank: Genus, Species
• Synonyms: Several species previously classified under Gongylia are now considered synonyms of other genera and species, including:
  • Gongylia sabuletorum = Arthrorhaphis grisea
  • Gongylia viridis = Arthrorhaphis grisea
  • Gongylia incarnata = Belonia incarnata
  • Gongylia sabuletorum = Lichen fungiformis
  • Gongylia sabuletorum = Rinodina humilis

Distribution and Habitat

• The text mentions the presence of Gongylia species in the British Isles, North America (including Colorado and the Arctic), and Switzerland.
• Gongylia muscorum is reported in Northern America.

Ecological Role

• The text refers to Gongylia as lichen-forming, parasitic, and para-symbiotic.

Morphological Characteristics

• The text indicates that some Gongylia species are pyrenocarpous lichens (perithecium shield-forming) and can be foliose or fruticose.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Some Gongylia species are host lichens (e.g., Gongylia aquatica as a host for Koerberiella wimmeriana).
• Some species grow over green algae and leprose lichens.
• The text mentions potential symbiotic relationships, where lichen species are formed by symbiosis between fungi and algae.

Further Information

• The text mentions the Interim Register of Marine and Nonmarine Genera as a source of information.
• The Catalogue des lichens de Suisse is referenced: http://www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/
• Lichen Herbarium Berlin and Natural History Museum, Vienna also hold information.