SafePlants

Anisomeridium Lichen

Anisomeridium is a genus of lichenized fungi belonging to the family Monoblastiaceae. Lichens are composite organisms arising from a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae (either green or blue-green), or sometimes all three.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Anisomeridium species have been observed growing in cracks in bark.
• Certain species produce structures called perithecia.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Anisomeridium
• Family: Monoblastiaceae (and sometimes Strigulaceae)
• Rank: Genus
• Phylum: Lichens
• Class: Dothideomycetes, Eurotiomycetes

Synonyms

Some species previously classified under Arthopyrenia are now considered synonyms of Anisomeridium species, such as:

• Arthopyrenia cinereopruinosa (synonym of Anisomeridium ranunculosporum)

Common Names

• Anisomeridium Lichen
• Forest Punch Lichen
• Tamarind Anisomeridium Lichen (specifically for Anisomeridium tamarindi)

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in tropical America, including Guyana, Panama, and Costa Rica.
• Observed in Dorset, Britain and Ireland, Madeira, and Hong Kong.
• Present in the USA and Canada
• Also found in Australia and its island territories.

Morphological Characteristics

• White crustose lichen.
• Grows in cracks in bark.
• Some species are foliicolous (growing on leaves) while others are corticolous (growing on bark).
• Perithecia (fruiting bodies) are often black.

Quirky Facts

• Some species are known to be epiphytic (growing on other plants).
• One species, Anisomeridium polypori, has "none known" listed for its common names, according to one source.

Notable Species

• Anisomeridium biforme (Borrer) R.C. Harris
• Anisomeridium musaesporoides
• Anisomeridium ranunculosporum
• Anisomeridium flavovulcanus
• Anisomeridium tamarindi
• Anisomeridium tuckerae
• Anisomeridium polypori

Further Information

• ResearchGate: For the full-text publication on Anisomeridium flavovulcanus.
• Wolfram|Alpha: For accessing a wide range of facts and data.