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cracked lichen
Scientific Name: Acarospora fuscata
Family: Acarosporaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Cracked Lichens (Acarospora spp.)
Cracked lichens, often resembling a cobblestone road or cracked paint, belong primarily to the genus Acarospora. The appearance of the thallus, or body, can be described as 'cracked-areolate' when a continuous crust breaks apart during growth.
Considerations for Pets
- Some sources mention "sheep-based drug cartels" in conjunction with narcotic lichens, though this is likely humorous. The potential presence of psychoactive compounds in some lichens warrants caution.
Considerations for Children
- The cracked surface of some lichens may encourage children to pick at them, potentially leading to ingestion or skin irritation.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Primarily Acarospora spp. (multiple species)
- Common Names: Cobblestone lichens, Cracked lichens
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota
- Class: Lecanoromycetes
- Order: Agyriales
- Family: Acarosporaceae
- Genus: Acarospora
- Examples of Species:
- Acarospora aeruginosa Hasse - Cracked Lichen
- Acarospora albomarginata (Herre) Salisb. - Cracked Lichen
- Acarospora arenosa Herre - Cracked Lichen
- Acarospora schleicheri - Schleicher's Cracked Lichen
- Acarospora gallica - Gallic Cracked Lichen
- Acarospora nodulosa - Nodule Cracked Lichen
- Symbol: ACARO2
Distribution and Habitat
- Cracked lichens can be found growing on rocks such as granite and sandstone.
- They have been recorded in various locations, including:
- Rocky Mountains
- Idaho
- Britain and Ireland
- Olympic National Park
- Planalto das Cezaredas, Portugal
- Samut Sakhon, Thailand
- Narcotic lichen specifically grows in desolate parts of the Rockies.
Morphological Characteristics
- The thallus (lichen body) often starts as separate lumps that grow together to form a continuous, cracked surface.
- Some species have a distinctive white, cracked thallus that appears slightly frosted (e.g., Buellia subalbula).
- Some species such as crustaceous lichens have angular, bright yellow aeroles and have apothecia that are small, darker and immersed in the areoles
Ecological Role
- Lichens contribute to the breakdown of rocks through slow chemical and physical processes.
Quirky Facts
- The text humorously mentions the potential for "sheep-based drug cartels" related to narcotic lichens.
Further Information
- Mushroom Observer: http://mushroomobserver.org/
- Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist