SafePlants

Melaspilea: A Lichenous Fungus

Melaspilea is a genus of lichenicolous fungi, often referred to by the common name "melaspilea lichen." These fascinating organisms have complex relationships with other lichens and contribute to the biodiversity of various ecosystems.

Considerations for Pets

• Melaspilea are lichenicolous, meaning they grow on other lichens. While lichens themselves are generally not considered harmful, it's important to prevent pets from ingesting large quantities of any wild-growing material.

Considerations for Children

• As a small, often overlooked organism, Melaspilea itself poses minimal direct risk to children. However, children should be supervised when exploring natural environments to avoid ingesting any wild-growing materials.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Melaspilea
• Common Name: Melaspilea Lichen
• Family: Melaspileaceae
• Kingdom: (Implied: Fungi)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms:
  • Hazlinszkya Krb.
  • Melanographa Mll. Arg.
  • Melaspileella (P. Karst.) Vain.
  • Melaspileomyces Cif.
• Alternative Scientific Names:
  • Spirographa fusisporella (Current Taxon Name for Melaspilea vermiformis)

Distribution and Habitat

• Melaspilea species are found globally, including locations like the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, Turkey, and Armenia.
• Melaspilea demissa has been collected from the southeastern USA.
• Melaspilea lentiginosa has a documented distribution in the UK.
• Some species, like Melaspilea urceolata, are known from scattered locations.

Ecological Role

• Melaspilea species are lichenicolous fungi, meaning they live on and often parasitize other lichens. The thallus (body) of Melaspilea is often immersed in the host lichen. In extreme cases, it may suppress or even replace the host lichen entirely.
• Some fungi, lichens, mosses, beetles, birds, and bats rely on veteran trees, which can host lichens such as Melaspilea lentiginosa.

Morphological Characteristics

• The thallus (body) of Melaspilea is typically immersed within the host lichen.
• The thallus can appear smooth, continuous, whitish, or white.
• Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are often numerous, dotted, and scattered over the thallus.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• As lichenicolous fungi, Melaspilea species have a parasitic relationship with their host lichens.
• Melaspilea lentiginosa has been recorded parasitizing other lichens.

Further Information

• The British Lichen Society (BLS) provides information on rare and threatened lichens, including Melaspilea species.
• NBN (data.nbn.org.uk) has UK distribution maps for some Melaspilea species.
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) provides taxonomic information.