SafePlants

Lopadium disciforme: Disc Granular Lichen

Lopadium disciforme, commonly known as disc granular lichen, is a fascinating lichen species belonging to the family Ectolechiaceae.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Lopadium disciforme (Flotow) Kullhem
• Rank: Species
• Family: Ectolechiaceae
• Common Name: Disc granular lichen
• Symbol: LODI3

Considerations for Pets

• The text describes the lichen as having granular or powdery soredia on its surface.
• The lichen is described as being very fragile and disintegrating when touched.
• Some descriptions mention granular to cylindrical or coralloid branchlets.

Considerations for Children

• The text describes the lichen as having granular or powdery soredia on its surface.
• The lichen is described as being very fragile and disintegrating when touched.
• Some descriptions mention granular to cylindrical or coralloid branchlets.

Distribution and Habitat

• This lichen has been recorded in the area around Osjecenica mountain in the southeast of Una National Park.
• It is considered rare in the Balkan Peninsula.

Morphological Characteristics

• Lopadium disciforme is a lichenous plant.
• The genus is characterized by a crustose, effuse, granular-verrucose thallus.
• It features disc-like fruiting bodies (apothecia).
• Apothecia are described as having granular powdery margins.
• The discs of the apothecia can be flat and pruinose.
• Apothecia are rare and when present are less than 1.5mm in diameter.

Quirky Facts

• While the disc granular lichen (Lopadium disciforme) is rare in the Balkan Peninsula, the spike lichen (Calicium abietinum) is also rare there, but slightly less so.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lopadium disciforme can be found growing on rock and other lichens.