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Melaspilea: A Lichenous Enigma

Melaspilea is a genus of lichens, often referred to by the common name "melaspilea lichen." These organisms are a fascinating blend of fungus and algae, existing in a symbiotic relationship. This page explores various aspects of Melaspilea, from its classification to its ecological interactions.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Melaspilea species are described as crustose lichens, potentially indicating a hard or brittle texture.
• Melaspilea lentiginosa is noted as a lichenicolous lichen, meaning it lives on other lichens. The nature of this parasitic relationship could involve substances or physical characteristics that might be of interest.

Considerations for Children

• Some Melaspilea species are described as crustose lichens, potentially indicating a hard or brittle texture.
• Melaspilea lentiginosa is noted as a lichenicolous lichen, meaning it lives on other lichens. The nature of this parasitic relationship could involve substances or physical characteristics that might be of interest.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Melaspilea Nyl. (followed by specific epithets like demissa, amota, granitophila, etc., depending on the species)
• Common Name: Melaspilea Lichen
• Family: Melaspileaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi (Lichens are a symbiotic association between fungi and algae/cyanobacteria, but are taxonomically classified within the Fungi kingdom.)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Hazlinszkya Krb., Melanographa Mll. Arg., Melaspileella (P. Karst.) Vain., Melaspileomyces Cif.

Distribution and Habitat

• Melaspilea species are found worldwide.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • North America (including the USA and Canada)
  • Australia
  • Dorset (UK)
  • Turkey
  • India
  • Armenia
  • Southeastern USA
• Some species, like Melaspilea lentiginosa, are associated with veteran trees.
• Melaspilea is found in Atlantic hazelwood.

Ecological Role

• Some Melaspilea species are lichenicolous, meaning they are parasitic on other lichens. For example, Melaspilea lentiginosa is mentioned as parasitizing other lichens.
• The text notes that the thallus of Melaspilea can be immersed within the host lichen.

Morphological Characteristics

• The thallus (body) of some Melaspilea species is described as:
  • Immersed in the host lichen
  • Smooth
  • Continuous
  • Whitish or White
• Some species are described as crustose lichens.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Melaspilea species, especially Melaspilea lentiginosa, can be parasitized by other fungi.
• Melaspilea lichens can be host to other fungi, living within their thalli.

Further Information

• NBN (data.nbn.org.uk) contains distribution maps for Melaspilea lentiginosa in the UK.
• Information can be found on the Australian New Crops Web Site.