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cockleshell lichen

Scientific Name: Hypocenomyce leucococca

Family: Lecideaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cockleshell Lichen

Cockleshell lichen is a common name applied to several lichen species, most notably those belonging to the genus Hypocenomyce.

Scientific Names and Taxonomy

  • Genus: Hypocenomyce
  • Common Name: Cockleshell Lichen
  • Kingdom: Plantae (Lichens are now classified separately but are historically associated with plants)
  • Family: Lecideaceae
  • Examples of Species:
    • Hypocenomyce castaneocinerea
    • Hypocenomyce leucococca
    • Hypocenomyce scalaris (Also known as cockleshell lichen)
    • Hypocenomyce friesii (Also known as Fries' Cockleshell Lichen)
    • Hypocenomyce australis
    • Hypocenomyce praestabilis
  • Synonyms for Hypocenomyce friesii:
    • Lecidea friesii Ach.
    • Psora friesii (Ach.) Hellbom

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cockleshell lichens can be found on burnt stumps and veteran poplar trees.
  • They have been identified in various locations, including:
    • &#268esk &#352vcarsko National Park
    • Cheboygan County, Michigan
    • Dorset, Hampshire
    • Australian Capital Territory
    • Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia (in sand dunes, mallee scrub, and remnant red gum forest)
    • Galindez Island, The Antarctic Peninsula
  • They can also be found on cockle shells and rocks.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cockleshell lichen exhibits a lichenous growth habit.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Cockleshell lichen is a component of the environment for various creatures.

Additional Information

  • The British Lichen Society conducts surveys of lichens, including Cockleshell lichens, at ancient churchyard sites.