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megalospora lichen

Scientific Name: Megalospora pachycheila

Family: Megalosporaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Megalospora Lichen

This page provides information about lichens belonging to the Megalospora genus, with a focus on Megalospora pachycheila and Megalospora tuberculosa.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Megalospora (with specific species mentioned as Megalospora pachycheila and Megalospora tuberculosa)
  • Common Name: Megalospora Lichen (also Magalospora Lichen)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Phylum: Lichens
  • Class: Lecanoromycetes
  • Order: Lecanorales
  • Family: Megalosporaceae
  • Genus: Megalospora G. Mey.
  • Synonyms:
    • Bombyliospora pachycarpa (for Megalospora tuberculosa)
  • Alternative Scientific Names:
    • Xerotrema megalospora
  • Subspecies: Megalospora atrorubicans subsp. atrorubicans

Distribution and Habitat

Megalospora lichens have a wide distribution, including:

  • Java, Indonesia
  • Taiwan
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South-West India
  • Madeira
  • Philippines
  • Florida, USA (Ocala National Forest) - specifically Megalospora pachycheila on Quercus

Morphological Characteristics

  • Megalospora is described as a mid-size genus of crustose apothecial lichens.
  • Some species may have yellow soralia (e.g., in Neotropics).

Ecology and Interactions

  • Megalospora tuberculosa serves as a host for the fungus Sclerococcum hawksworthii.

Further Information

  • Information can be found in the "A monograph of the lichen family Megalosporaceae. Bibliotheca" series.
  • Stephen Sharnoff's Lichen Photos website features images of Megalospora tuberculosa.
  • The Checklist of the Lichens of Australia and its Island Territories published by ABRS is a resource.
  • Additional notes on the lichen family Megalosporaceae can be found in Willdenowia 15: 557-564 (1986).
  • The British Lichen Society (BLS) provides information, particularly regarding rare and threatened lichens.
  • ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) provides taxonomic information (TSN 191893 for Megalospora pachycheila, TSN 191895 for Megalospora tuberculosa).