SafePlants

Lichens: A Diverse World

Lichens are fascinating organisms that represent a symbiotic partnership between a fungus and an alga. They can be found in a wide variety of habitats and play important ecological roles.

Considerations for Pets

• Some lichens have "club-shaped" or "bracket-like" fruiting bodies that might be tempting for pets to investigate or ingest.

Considerations for Children

• Lichens come in various forms, some resembling miniature shrubs or clubs, which might attract children's curiosity.

Common Names

Several common names for lichens are mentioned, including:

• Lettuce-leaved dog lichen
• Chocolate chip lichen
• Clam lichen
• Club lichen
• Cobblestone lichen
• Christmas Tree Lichen
• False Pixie Cup Or Club Lichen
• Black club-shaped dot lichen

Note: The common name "Devil's Club" appears, but it seems to reference a salve, not necessarily the lichen itself.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Peltigera lactucifolia is mentioned, also known as "lettuce-leaved dog lichen".
• Multiclavula mucida is another species name, referred to as "Club Lichen".
• Cladonia rangifera is mentioned, also known as reindeer lichen.
• Lycopodium clavatum is mentioned as Green Club-moss.

Some lichens belong to the Basidiomycota, a group of fungi.

Distribution and Habitat

• Culag Woods in Scotland is mentioned as a location where lichens have been studied and mapped.
• The upper Mississippi Valley is also referenced in relation to lichen distribution.
• The Western Arthur Range in Southwest National Park Tasmania Australia is also mentioned.

Ecological Role

• Lichens contribute to their ecosystems by "fixing" atmospheric nitrogen.
• They also provide nesting material for animals.

Morphological Characteristics

• Lichens can exhibit various forms, including stratified foliose, fruticose (shrub-like, hair-like, or club-like), and crustose forms.
• Some lichens have club-shaped or bracket-like fruiting bodies (basidiocarps).

Quirky Facts

• As a "LichenLander", one may receive a case of wine twice a year.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens exist as a partnership between a fungus and an alga.
• In tropical lichens, the fungal component may be a club fungus, or basidiomycete.
• Reindeer lichens serve as a food source for reindeer.

Further Information

• www.lichens.ie is a website associated with the Irish Lichen Field Club.
• The Irish Lichen Field Club was launched in 2009.
• The Quekett Microscopical Club is mentioned in relation to lichen studies.
• The Torrey Botanical Club has records related to lichen distribution and studies.