SafePlants

Ophioparma Lichens

This page provides information about lichens belonging to the genus Ophioparma, focusing primarily on Ophioparma ventosa and Ophioparma lapponica.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Ophioparma species are crustose lichens, which grow tightly adhered to surfaces like rocks. This growth habit, along with their potential presence in outdoor environments, suggests possible exposure for pets during walks or outdoor activities.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Ophioparma (genus), with species including Ophioparma ventosa and Ophioparma lapponica.
• Common Names: Alpine bloodspot (for Ophioparma ventosa), Bloodstain Lichen (potentially referring to Haematomma ventosum, which is related to Ophioparma), Ophioparma Lichen.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Ophioparmaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi (lichens are a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria)
• Rank: Genus (Ophioparma), Species (e.g., Ophioparma ventosa, Ophioparma lapponica)
• Synonyms and Related Names:
  • Haematomma ventosum (a name associated with Ophioparma ventosa)
  • Haematomma lapponicum (synonym for Ophioparma lapponica)

Distribution and Habitat

• Ophioparma ventosa has been found in alpine regions, including Arunachal Pradesh, India, Glen Affric in Scotland, and the Little Spokane River Natural Area in Washington State, USA. It's also mentioned in relation to locations in Austria and East Fennoscandia.
• Ophioparma lapponica is associated with Lapland (Sweden) and eastern North America.
• They typically grow on rocks, including siliceous and arcosic sandstone boulders.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Ophioparma ventosa is described as a crustose lichen.
• The thallus (lichen body) can be a thick, areolate, warted crust, varying in color from cream to yellow-grey (f. ventosa) or pale to dark grey (f. subfestiva).
• The apothecia (fruiting bodies) are flat and can be orange-brown.
• The texture of the apothecia can be very smooth to the touch.

Quirky Facts

• Ophioparma ventosa is sometimes called the "alpine bloodspot" due to its appearance, possibly related to the presence of pigments like haemoventosin.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are a symbiotic relationship, typically involving a fungus and algae or cyanobacteria.

Further Information

• Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora (Nash, T.H., Ryan, B.D., Gries, C., &)
• Lichens of North America (Brodo et al.)
• British Lichen Society - BLS Lichen Database
• ResearchGate (for publications related to Ophioparma ventosa)
• WikiSpecies
• Missouri Botanical Garden (MO)
• Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL)
• USDA Forest Service