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microcalicium lichen
Scientific Name: Microcalicium
Family: Microcaliciaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Microcalicium Lichen
This page provides information about various species within the genus Microcalicium, a group primarily composed of lichens and lichenicolous fungi.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Based on available data, some Microcalicium lichen species are rated as "not safe" for children and dogs.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Genus: Microcalicium Vain.
- Several species are discussed, including:
- Microcalicium ahlneri Tibell: Ahlner's Microcalicium Lichen
- Microcalicium arenarium (Hampe ex A. Massal.) Tibell: Sandwort Microcalicium Lichen, Rock Broom Lichen (English), microcalice des rochers (French)
- Microcalicium disseminatum (Ach.) Vain.: Microcalicium Lichen
- Microcalicium conversum Tibell
- Microcalicium subpedicellatum (Schaerer) Tibell
- General common name: microcalicium lichen
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Microcaliciaceae
- Phylum: Lichens (for at least some species)
- Some sources note that Microcalicium arenarium has the synonym Coniocybopsis arenaria (Hampe ex A. Massal.)
Distribution and Habitat
- Species within Microcalicium are found in various regions, including:
- Greater Sonoran Desert Region
- British Columbia, North America
- Europe (Western, Southern, and Northern)
- Norway
- Oregon, Cascades Range
- Australia
Ecological Role
- Some species, like Microcalicium disseminatum, are lichenicolous fungi, meaning they are parasites on living lichens.
- Microcalicium arenarium is a non-lichenized, free-living fungus often included in lichenological studies.
- Some Microcalicium species may be found on the buttresses of Eucalyptus obliqua trees.
Quirky Facts
- While many members of the Microcalicium genus are lichens, Microcalicium arenarium is a fungus which is often included in lichen studies even though it isn't technically a lichen.
Further Information
- The British Lichen Society is a resource for studying lichens.
- BioImages (www.bioimages.org.uk) has numerous images of Microcalicium.
- MyTreeDB is another resource.