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blood lichen

Scientific Name: Mycoblastus marginatus

Family: Mycoblastaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Mycoblastus sanguinarius: The Blood Lichen

Mycoblastus is a genus of lichens, with members commonly referred to as "blood lichens." One notable species is Mycoblastus sanguinarius.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Mycoblastus sanguinarius (L.) Norman
  • Common Name: Blood Lichen
  • Family: Mycoblastaceae
  • Group: Lichen

Quirky Facts

  • The name "blood lichen" alludes to interactions where skin surfaces become thin and delicate so that it bleeds, tears, and bruises easily, often causing tiny “blood blisters”.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Observed in locations such as Corkscrew Swamp, Florida.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Extracts from various lichen species, including members of the Mycoblastus genus, have been tested for their ability to agglutinate erythrocytes from dogs, indicating potential interactions at a cellular level.

Resources and Further Information

  • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service database is a source of information.
  • Gettys Images provides photographic resources.