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Acrocordia Lichen

This page provides information about lichens belonging to the genus Acrocordia, with a focus on several specific species.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Acrocordia A. Massal.
• Family: Monoblastiaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi

Acrocordia is a genus of lichenized fungi. Several species are mentioned, including:

• Acrocordia gemmata (Ach.) A. Massal.
  • Common Names: Acrocordia lichen, Bud-bearing shell lichen
  • Synonyms: Arthopyrenia alba (Schrad.) Zahlbr., Arthopyrenia gemmata (Ach.) A. Massal., Lichen gemmatus Ach.
• Acrocordia conoidea (Fr.) Korb.
• Acrocordia salweyi
• Acrocordia macrospora A. Massal.
• Acrocordia cavata (Ach.) R. C. Harris
• Acrocordia alba (Schrad.)
• Acrocordia subglobosa (V?zda) Poelt

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Acrocordia lichens are described as crustose, meaning they form a crust-like layer on their substrate.
• Acrocordia macrospora is noted for its black dots, which are its perithecia (fruiting bodies).
• Acrocordia salweyi exhibits empty pits with a black ring.

Distribution and Habitat

• Acrocordia gemmata has been found in Europe, specifically in locations such as Portugal (Algarve), Britain and Ireland, and Turkey (on Fagus sp.).
• Acrocordia conoidea is found in the Greater Sonoran Desert and Ireland.

Ecological Role

• The genus Acrocordia is mentioned in the context of lichen communities in the British Isles.
• Some Acrocordia species are endolithic, growing inside rocks.

Conservation Status

• Acrocordia conoidea is classified as Least Concern.
• Acrocordia gemmata is listed as Vulnerable (VU) in some regions.

Further Information

• Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora: Nash, T.H., Ryan, B.D., Gries, C., Bungartz, F., (eds.) 2001.
• Lichen Ecology, Seaward, MRD.
• LIAS (presumably a lichen database).