SafePlants

Cracked Lichens (Acarospora spp.)

Cracked lichens, often resembling cobblestone roads or cracked paint, belong to the genus Acarospora. This group includes various species and are commonly found growing on rocks and other surfaces.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that some lichens grow on rocks which may crack and break them apart. This action could create small rock fragments.
• The presence of lichen may indicate or contribute to fragile, thin, or cracked surfaces.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that some lichens grow on rocks which may crack and break them apart. This action could create small rock fragments.
• The presence of lichen may indicate or contribute to fragile, thin, or cracked surfaces.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Acarospora
• Family: Acarosporaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi (as indicated by "Kingdom Fungi" reference)
• Common Names: Cobblestone lichens, cracked lichens

Distribution and Habitat

• Cracked lichens are found in various locations, including the Rockies (for Narcotic Lichen), Britain and Ireland, Idaho, Portugal and Thailand.
• They often grow on rocks and other hard surfaces, including granite, sandstone cliffs, and even wooden planks.

Morphological Characteristics

• The thallus (lichen body) can be cracked-areolate, forming a continuous cracked surface.
• Some species have a white, cracked thallus that appears slightly frosted.
• Certain species exhibit angular, bright yellow aeroles with small, darker apothecia.

Ecological Role

• Lichens contribute to the weathering of rocks, slowly breaking them down.
• They can grow on various surfaces like rocks, bark, and wood.

Species Examples

• Acarospora aeruginosa Hasse - cracked lichen
• Acarospora albomarginata (Herre) Salisb. - cracked lichen
• Acarospora arenosa Herre - cracked lichen
• Acarospora gallica
• Acarospora impressula
• Acarospora nodulosa
• Acarospora schleicheri (Schleicher's Cracked Lichen)
• Acarospora socialis
• Acarospora badiofusca

Interactions with Other Organisms

• They can grow alongside moss and fungi.
• Certain plants, such as Scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum), can be found growing on lichen-covered surfaces.