SafePlants

Peltula Lichen

Peltula is a genus of lichens characterized by their small size and dark brown to olive or dark gray squamulose (scaly) appearance. They can be found growing on rocks (saxicolous) or soil (terricolous).

Considerations for Pets

• Some Peltula species are found on rocks and biological soil crusts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Peltula
• Common Name: Peltula Lichen, Rock Olive Lichen, Bolander's Peltula Lichen, Black Soil Lichen, Blushing Scale Lichen, Zahlbruckner's Peltula Lichen
• Family: Peltulaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi (as Peltula clavata is within the kingdom Fungi)
• Rank: Genus
• Synonyms:
  • Peltula radicata (Ach.) Nyl.
  • Peltula bolanderi (Tuck.) Wetmore
  • Peltula euploca (Ach.) Poelt ex Ozenda & Clauzade
  • Peltula zahlbruckneri

Distribution and Habitat

• Members of the Peltula genus are found in the Greater Sonoran Desert, arid regions, Australia (including Kimberleys, Western Australia), Namibia, and southern Africa.
• They thrive in lichen-dominated biological soil crusts (BSCs) and on exposed rock surfaces.

Morphological Characteristics

• Peltula lichens are small and squamulose, with colors ranging from dark brown to olive or dark gray.
• Some species have flattened to erect lobes.
• Peltula euploca is described as a small, foliose, stratified lichen, up to 1-1.5 cm wide, with bluish, grayish, olive, or blackish soredia.

Ecological Role

• Peltula lichens can be a significant component of biological soil crusts.

Quirky Facts

• Some Peltula species contain cyanobacteria, which are capable of nitrogen fixation.
• Peltula are sometimes referred to as "Rock-olive lichens".

Further Information

• Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert
• Lichens of North America (Brodo, Sharnoff, and Sharnoff, 2001)
• Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
• USDA distribution maps
• California Lichen Society
• Muelleria Journal
• ResearchGate