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Arthothelium Lichen

Arthothelium is a genus of lichen belonging to the uncertain Ascomycota Family. The common name often used is "arthothelium lichen," but it's important to note that this name applies across multiple species within the Arthothelium genus.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arthothelium A. Massal.
• Rank: Genus, Species (depending on the specific name e.g., Arthothelium spectabile, Arthothelium ruanum, Arthothelium anastomosans, Arthothelium abnorme, Arthothelium galapagoense, Arthothelium hallii, Arthothelium subcyrtodes, Arthothelium albidum, Arthothelium ampliatum, Arthothelium awasthii, Arthothelium crozalsianum, Arthothelium dictyosporum)
• Family: Uncertain Ascomycota Family, Arthoniaceae
• Synonym Symbol: ARPR10 (Arthothelium pruinascens Zahlbr.), ARSP11 (Arthothelium spectabile A. Massal.)

Distribution and Habitat

Arthothelium lichens are widespread, with many species found in diverse geographic locations. Specific locations mentioned include:

• Australia
• Singapore
• Taiwan
• India
• Tenerife
• Tunisia
• Bulgaria
• Michigan, USA

They often thrive in woodlands, particularly on the bark of trees like Beech and Rowan, as well as in hazelwoods.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are dual organisms consisting of an alga (or cyanobacterium) and a fungus.
• They can be epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants (phorophytes).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Arthothelium lichens exhibit a lichenous growth habit.

Quirky Facts

• Arthothelium galapagoense produces a cyclic depsipeptide called Arthogalin.

Further Information

For more comprehensive information, you may find the following resources helpful:

• Louisiana State University Herbarium Lichen Collection: http://www.herbarium.lsu.edu/
• Jnal of the Hattori Botanical Laboratory