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cracked lichen

Scientific Name: Acarospora complanata

Family: Acarosporaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cracked Lichen: A Study in Resilience

Cracked lichens, often resembling a cobblestone road or cracked paint, are a fascinating group of organisms known for their ability to thrive in harsh environments.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Some sources mention that cracking and bleeding of skin are seen in individuals with lichen sclerosus.

Scientific Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Common Name: Cracked Lichen
  • Scientific Name: The text references several species within the Acarospora genus, including Acarospora hilaris, Acarospora aeruginosa, Acarospora albomarginata, Acarospora schleicheri, Acarospora arenosa, Acarospora badiofusca, Acarospora gallica, and Acarospora nodulosa.
  • Family: Acarosporaceae
  • Kingdom: Fungi (as lichens are a symbiotic association involving fungi)
  • Group: Lichen

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cracked lichens are extremely rare and grow in very inhospitable regions.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Britain, Ireland, Idaho, Rocky Mountains, Planalto das Cezaredas (Portugal), and Samut Sakhon (Thailand).

Morphological Characteristics

  • The lichen thallus (body) can be 'cracked-areolate,' forming a continuous crust that cracks during growth.
  • The thallus may initially consist of separate lumps that grow together, producing a cracked surface.
  • Some species, like Buellia subalbula, have a white, cracked thallus that appears slightly frosted.

Ecological Role

  • Lichens can contribute to the weathering process by slowly breaking down rocks.

Quirky Facts

  • It can take decades for cracked lichens to grow over a single rock.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text mentions lichens growing on tree bark, sandstone cliffs, and in association with mosses and fungi.

Resources

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