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Eckfeldt's Dot Lichen (Arthonia eckfeldtii)

The Arthonia eckfeldtii, commonly known as Eckfeldt's Dot Lichen, is a fascinating lichen species belonging to the Arthoniaceae family. This page provides a compilation of information about this lichen, derived from various botanical resources.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arthonia eckfeldtii Müll. Arg.
• Common Name: Eckfeldt's Dot Lichen
• Family: Arthoniaceae
• Kingdom: (Implied: likely Fungi)
• Group: Lichen
• Synonyms: No synonyms are explicitly listed, but the text references older classifications and related species within the Arthonia genus.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habit

• Growth Habit: Lichenous (This indicates that it is a composite organism formed from a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium).
• The text mentions "minute black dots" regarding spermatia, but it's unclear if this directly refers to Arthonia eckfeldtii.

Distribution and Habitat

• The lichen was studied in Southern California.
• References exist to its presence in North America (NA) and the United States, specifically California.
• Also found in the upper Mississippi Valley, Maine, and southern Patagonia.
• Mentions lichen flora in Nova Scotia and California, suggesting these are among its habitats.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Arthonia eckfeldtii forms a symbiotic relationship with algae or cyanobacteria, as all lichens do.

Resources and Further Information

• USDA PLANTS database is a reference for Arthonia eckfeldtii.
• ResearchGate hosts publications related to lichens, including those potentially relevant to Arthonia eckfeldtii.
• The text also mentions J. W. Eckfeldt's work on lichens, suggesting his publications as potential resources.