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peltula lichen
Scientific Name: Peltula obscurans
Family: Peltulaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Peltula: A Detailed Look
Peltula is a genus of lichens, fascinating symbiotic organisms found worldwide. This page provides an overview of their characteristics, distribution, and ecological roles.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Peltula species grow on rocks or soil, potentially making them accessible to pets in outdoor environments.
Considerations for Children
- Some Peltula species grow on rocks or soil, potentially making them accessible to children in outdoor environments.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Peltula
- Family: Peltulaceae
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Rank: Genus, with species-level classifications such as Peltula obscurans, Peltula bolanderi, Peltula clavata, Peltula euploca, Peltula coriacea, Peltula omphaliza, Peltula patellata, Peltula richardsii, Peltula africana, Peltula auriculata, Peltula inversa, Peltula cylindrica, and Peltula radicata.
- Synonyms: Dermatocarpon euplocum, Lichen euplocus
- Common Names: Peltula Lichen, Rock Olive Lichen, Bolander's peltula lichen, Richards' peltula lichen
Description and Morphology
- Peltula lichens are typically small, dark brown to olive or dark gray in color.
- They are squamulose, meaning they have small, scale-like lobes.
- Some species, such as Peltula euploca, are small, foliose (leaf-like), and stratified, growing up to 1-1.5 cm wide.
- Peltula species have dark olive to olive-brown, scaly to minutely shrubby lichens with flattened to erect, rather round lobes.
Distribution and Habitat
- Peltula lichens can be saxicolous, growing on rock, or terricolous, growing on soil.
- They are well represented in arid regions.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- Arizona Sonoran Desert
- Australia (specifically the Kimberleys, Western Australia)
- Netherlands Antilles, Saba
- Channel Islands, California
- Big Bend National Park, Texas
- Nama Karoo, Namibia
Ecological Role
- Peltula lichens can be a significant component of lichen-dominated biological soil crusts (BSCs).
- They can contribute to lichen-induced weathering of exposed rock surfaces.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Peltula lichens can form symbiotic relationships with green algae or cyanobacteria.
- Green algal cells are firmly attached to hyphae in the medulla of the lichen.
Quirky Facts
- Some Peltula species exhibit a variety of soredia colors, including bluish, grayish, olive, or blackish.
Further Information
- Lichens of North America by Brodo, I.M., Sharnoff, S.D. and Sharnoff, S. (2001) provides information on Peltula.
- Muelleria 6: 495� (1988) contains information about the lichen genera Heppia and Peltula in Australia.
- ResearchGate hosts research on the role of cortical and epinecral layers in the lichen genus Peltula.
- The California Lichen Society provides information on some Peltula species.
- Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist contains species-level information.