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Anisomeridium Lichen

Anisomeridium is a genus of lichenized fungi belonging to the family Monoblastiaceae. Lichens are composite organisms resulting from a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae (green or blue-green, or both).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Anisomeridium
• Family: Monoblastiaceae
• Type Species: A. xylogena (designated by Maurice Gustave Benoit Choisy)
• Synonyms: The text mentions several species with synonyms:
  • Anisomeridium biforme (Borrer) R.C. Harris, with synonyms including Arthopyrenia cinereopruinosa.
  • Anisomeridium leucochlorum, with synonym Malcolmiella granifera

Distribution and Habitat

• Anisomeridium species are found in various regions, including:
  • Tropical America (e.g., Guyana, Panama)
  • Dorset (UK)
  • Madeira and Selvagens Islands
  • Costa Rica
  • Britain and Ireland
  • Florida and Louisiana
  • Australia
  • Hong Kong
  • New Zealand
• Habitats include bark of tree trunks in wood, cracks in bark, and are described as epiphytic (growing on other plants).

Morphological Characteristics

• Some species are described as white crustose lichens.
• They often grow in cracks in bark.
• They produce black perithecia (fruiting bodies).
• Perithecia size has been documented at approximately 4mm in length.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Anisomeridium exhibits a symbiotic relationship with algae (green or blue-green).
• Some species are foliicolous (growing on leaves).
• It is noted that some species of Strigula also include subcuticular species.

Further Information

• ResearchGate: A professional network for scientists where information on Anisomeridium flavovulcanus can be found.
• Wolfram|Alpha: A computational knowledge engine with facts and data.
• Index Fungorum and Catalogue of Life databases.
• The Bryologist: A journal where new pyrenocarpous lichens from Louisiana and Florida were documented.