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Anisomeridium Lichen

Anisomeridium is a genus of lichenized fungi belonging to the family Monoblastiaceae. These lichens have a widespread distribution, appearing in diverse environments around the globe.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Anisomeridium
• Family: Monoblastiaceae (and sometimes listed under Strigulaceae)
• Synonyms:
  • Arthopyrenia cinereopruinosa (synonym for Anisomeridium ranunculosporum and Anisomeridium biforme)

Common Names

• Anisomeridium Lichen (U.S. name)
• Forest Punch Lichen (for Anisomeridium biforme)
• Tamarind Anisomeridium Lichen (for Anisomeridium tamarindi)
• Tucker's Anisomeridium Lichen (for Anisomeridium tuckerae)

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in tropical regions, including Guyana, Panama, and Costa Rica.
• Present in Europe, including Britain, Ireland, Madeira, and The Netherlands.
• Also found in North America, including the USA (Louisiana, Florida, California) and Canada.
• Documented in Australia and its island territories, as well as New Zealand.
• Observed in Hong Kong.

Morphological Characteristics

• Some species, such as Anisomeridium polypori, are white crustose lichens that grow in cracks in bark.
• They often feature black perithecia (fruiting bodies).

Ecological Role

• Some species, like certain Strigula, are subcuticular.

Interactions with other organisms

• Lichens are usually a symbiosis between a fungus and green algae, blue-green algae, or a combination of all three.
• Some species are epiphytic, growing on other plants.

Quirky Facts

• One species of lichen, when translated from German, is called "The wool-dyer's lichen".
• Maurice Gustave Benoit Choisy defined the genus Anisomeridium, designating A. xylogena the type species.

Further Information

• Wolfram|Alpha provides facts and data related to Anisomeridium.
• ResearchGate hosts publications, such as one describing Anisomeridium flavovulcanus.