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arctoparmelia lichen

Scientific Name: Arctoparmelia centrifuga

Family: Parmeliaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Arctoparmelia

Arctoparmelia is a genus of lichens belonging to the family Parmeliaceae.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Arctoparmelia Hale, 1986
  • Family: Parmeliaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Arctoparmelia aleuritica (Nyl.) Hale
    • Parmelia aleuritica Nyl.
    • Parmelia centrifuga (L.) Ach.
    • Xanthoparmelia centrifuga (L.)

Common Species

  • Arctoparmelia centrifuga (L.) Hale, also known as Concentric-ring Lichen or Ripple Ring Lichen.
  • Arctoparmelia incurva (Pers.) Hale
  • Arctoparmelia separata
  • Arctoparmelia subcentrifuga

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in North America, including Alaska, Newfoundland, and Quebec, Canada.
  • Also found in Europe, including Sweden.
  • Grows on rocks (saxicolous) and exposed bedrock in environments subject to desiccation stress and intense light levels.
  • Often found in taiga forests, particularly on boulders in Scotch pine forests.
  • Observed in locations such as the Annieopsquotch Mountains, Kangerlussuaq area in West Greenland, Inglefield Land, and Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Thallus is foliose, closely adnate to the substratum.
  • Commonly dies in the center, forming concentric rings with a radial growth pattern.
  • Lobes are irregularly branching with pointed, flat tips.
  • Color ranges from yellow to yellow-grey.
  • Lobes are narrow, crowded, and radiating, often convex in cross-section and turned under at the tips.
  • Pale brown underside.

Ecological Role

  • Forms symbiotic relationships as a lichen.
  • Its presence may be decreasing in certain areas (e.g., Sweden) due to the decline of specific substrates like dead pines and unpainted hay barns.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Can be found growing alongside other lichens such as Rhizocarpon sp.

Quirky Facts

  • Arctoparmelia centrifuga exhibits a radial growth pattern where the interior dies back and becomes recolonized, creating its characteristic concentric rings.
  • Usnic acid-deficient thalli have been observed in European populations of Arctoparmelia centrifuga.

Further Information

  • Refer to "Lichens of North America" by Brodo, I.M., Sharnoff, S.D. and Sharnoff, S. (2001), specifically pages 162-163, published by Yale University Press.