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melaspilea lichen
Scientific Name: Melaspilea lentiginosula
Family: Melaspileaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Melaspilea Lichen
The Melaspilea lichen is a fascinating group of organisms comprising various species, each with unique characteristics and ecological roles.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species of Melaspilea have an immersed thallus.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Melaspilea
- Common Names: Melaspilea Lichen
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Information not explicitly provided in text.
- Phylum: Lichens
- Class: Arthoniomycetes
- Order: Incertae sedis
- Family: Melaspileaceae
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms:
- Hazlinszkya Krb.
- Melanographa Mll. Arg.
- Melaspileella (P. Karst.) Vain.
- Melaspileomyces Cif.
Distribution and Habitat
- Found in various regions, including the USA, Canada, Australia, Turkey, and Armenia.
- Specific species mentioned in different locations:
- Melaspilea demissa: Southeastern USA
- Melaspilea arthonioides: USA and Canada, Australia
- Melaspilea lentiginosa: UK distribution map available
- Melaspilea urceolata: Armenia
Ecological Role
- Some Melaspilea species are lichenicolous fungi, meaning they parasitize other lichens. For example, Melaspilea lentiginosa parasitizes other lichens.
- These lichens can rely on veteran trees for habitat.
Morphological Characteristics
- The thallus of lichenicolous species is often immersed in the host lichen.
- The thallus can be smooth, continuous, and whitish or white.
- Apothecia are very numerous and scattered over the thallus.
- Some species are crustose.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Melaspilea lichens can be hosts to other fungi, especially lichenicolous fungi.
- They can also be associated with other lichens, such as Pyrenula nitida and Thelopsis rubella.
Resources and Further Information
- Catalogue of Life
- NBN (data.nbn.org.uk) for UK distribution map of Melaspilea lentiginosa
- ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System)
- British Lichen Society (BLS)