No images found for this plant ID: 3264.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "3264" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
shell lichen
Scientific Name: Arthopyrenia minor
Family: Arthopyreniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Arthopyrenia plumbaria (Stizenb.) R. C. Harris – Shell Lichen
This fascinating organism, commonly referred to as Shell Lichen, belongs to the lichen group. Lichens are composite organisms arising from a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Arthopyrenia plumbaria (Stizenb.) R. C. Harris
- Common Name: Shell Lichen
- Family: Arthopyreniaceae
- Kingdom: Fungi (as one component of the lichen is a fungus)
- Symbol: ARTHO2 (for Arthopyrenia), ARLY4 (for Lichen)
- Synonyms: The text mentions other Arthopyrenia species (e.g., Arthopyrenia cinchonae, Arthopyrenia cinereopruinosa, Arthopyrenia malaccitula) and related genera, but it's not clear if these are direct synonyms.
Distribution and Habitat
Shell Lichen is associated with marine environments and is found growing on shells, including those of intertidal organisms. Specific locations mentioned include Allegany Co., Maryland and the Miranda coast in New Zealand. It has also been found in the Scottish Highlands.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Shell Lichen exhibits a lichenous growth habit.
- The thallus (body) of lichens, including shell-like lichens, can vary in size from millimeters up to larger dimensions.
- Some related lichens, like Collemopsidium foveolatum, are described as black, flattened to moderately convex, and immersed in pits on shells and rocks.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Snails are known to graze on lichen material from the substrate and even apply it to their shells.
- The black lichen, Verrucaria mucosa, is often found growing on limpet shells.
- Lichens can attach to other materials like shell fragments.
Resources and Further Information
- Wikimedia Commons hosts images of Shell Lichen.
- Garden Guides provides general information about plants, including Shell Lichens.
- Maryland Biodiversity features information and images of Salted Shell Lichen.
- www.sararegistry.gc.ca is referenced for information.
The text also references various databases, institutions, and online resources (e.g., Amazon.com reviews, Shutterstock images) for further exploration.