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peltula lichen
Scientific Name: Peltula euploca
Family: Peltulaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Peltula Lichen
Peltula is a genus of lichens, commonly referred to as Peltula Lichens.
Considerations for Pets
- Some *Peltula* species grow on rocks or soil, which could make them accessible to pets who spend time outdoors.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Peltula
- Common Name: Peltula Lichen, Rock Olive Lichen, Bolander's peltula lichen
- Family: Peltulaceae
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Synonyms:
- Dermatocarpon euplocum (Ach.) A.L. Sm.
- Lichen euplocus Ach.
Distribution and Habitat
- Members of the *Peltula* genus can be found in various locations, including Australia, the Arizona Sonoran Desert, the Nama Karoo in Namibia, Europe, and the Channel Islands of California.
- They are often found in arid regions.
- Some species, such as *Peltula bolanderi*, have been found in specific locations like Claremont Dr. in Oakland, CA.
Morphological Characteristics
- Peltula lichens are generally small and range in color from dark brown to olive or dark gray.
- They are squamulose, meaning they have small, scale-like lobes.
- Some species, such as *Peltula euploca*, are foliose (leafy) and stratified, growing up to 1-1.5 cm wide.
- *Peltula* species have flattened to erect, rather round lobes.
Ecological Role
- *Peltula* lichens can be saxicolous (growing on rock) or terricolous (growing on soil).
- They are often found in lichen-dominated biological soil crusts (BSCs).
- Some species contain cyanobacteria, which fix nitrogen.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Some species are associated with lichen-induced weathering of rock surfaces.
Further Information
- Lichens of North America by Brodo, I.M., Sharnoff, S.D. and Sharnoff, S. (2001)
- Muelleria 6: 495–517 (1988) for information on *Heppia* and *Peltula* in Australia.
- Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert Region (Bdel, B., Rauhut, A. & Schultz, M. (2007))