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cracked lichen

Scientific Name: Acarospora cinereoalba

Family: Acarosporaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cracked Lichen

The term "cracked lichen" is a common name applied to various species within the genus Acarospora and possibly other lichen genera. They are named for their appearance, which resembles cracked cobblestone or old, cracked paint.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text describes lichens growing on rocks that can crack and break apart over time. While this relates to environmental interactions, caution should always be observed to ensure neither pets nor children consume the lichen.

Considerations for Children

  • The text describes lichens growing on rocks that can crack and break apart over time. While this relates to environmental interactions, caution should always be observed to ensure neither pets nor children consume the lichen.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Acarospora
  • Family: Acarosporaceae
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Species Examples:
    • Acarospora hilaris
    • Acarospora aeruginosa Hasse
    • Acarospora albomarginata (Herre) Salisb.
    • Acarospora arenosa Herre
    • Acarospora schleicheri
    • Acarospora nodulosa
    • Acarospora socialis
    • Acarospora badiofusca
  • Symbol: ACARO2

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cracked lichens grow in inhospitable regions.
  • They have been found in locations such as Idaho, the Rocky Mountains, and Portugal.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The lichen thallus (body) is initially made of separate lumps that can grow together to form a continuous, cracked surface.
  • They can form a continuous crust that cracks during growth.
  • Some species, like Buellia subalbula, have a white, cracked thallus that appears slightly frosted.
  • Certain species possess bright yellow aeroles with small, darker apothecia (fruiting bodies) immersed within.

Ecological Role

  • Lichens contribute to the slow breakdown of rocks.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Cracked lichens can grow on rocks alongside moss.
  • They can be found growing on the bark of old trees.
  • The text mentions scentless mayweed growing on cracked lichen-covered sandstone cliffs.

Quirky Facts

  • The growth of cracked lichens is remarkably slow; it can take decades for them to expand across a single rock.

Further Information

  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • Mushroom Observer (mushroomobserver.org)