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heppia lichen
Scientific Name: Heppia lutosa
Family: Heppiaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Heppia Lichen
Heppia is a genus of lichens belonging to the family Heppiaceae. They are commonly known as Heppia Lichens. Heppia lutosa is one recognized species within this genus.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Heppia
- Family: Heppiaceae
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota
- Species Example: Heppia lutosa (Ach.) Nyl.
- Synonyms: Under the older name Lichinaceae.
Distribution and Habitat
- Heppia lichens are found growing on rock or soil in arid sites.
- They are found in the Greater Sonoran Desert Region, Australia, and other regions globally.
Morphological Characteristics
- Heppia lichens can be olive, brownish, gray, or blackish in color.
- They can be squamulose, crustose, or peltate.
- Growth Habit: Lichenous
Ecological Role
- Heppia species form symbiotic relationships with algae, such as Nostoc in some species, illustrating their role in ecological interactions.
- These lichens can be found in various environments, from maritime rocks to basalt-derived soil in meadows.
Genetic Information
- Research has been conducted on the 18S rDNA sequence of Heppia to investigate its systematic position within the order Lichinales.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Some species can host lichenicolous fungi.
- Heppia echinulata establishes symbiotic relationships with cyanobacteria.
Further Information
- Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora (Nash, T.H., Ryan, B.D., Gries, C., Bungartz, F., (eds.) 2001)
- Catalogue of Life: 2012
- Biodiversity Library: http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/part/171896
- Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG)
- Dyntaxa - Svensk taxonomisk databas