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peltula lichen

Scientific Name: Peltula obscurans var. obscurans

Family: Peltulaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Peltula Lichen

Peltula is a genus of squamulose lichens, typically small and ranging in color from dark brown to olive or dark gray.

Considerations for Pets

  • Peltula lichens can grow on rocks or soil.

Considerations for Children

  • Peltula lichens can grow on rocks or soil.

Scientific Classification

  • Genus: Peltula
  • Kingdom: Fungi (implied, as lichens are fungi-algae symbiotic organisms)
  • Family: Peltulaceae
  • Rank: Genus, Species (various)

Nomenclature and Synonyms

  • Synonyms for Peltula euploca include:
    • &#8801Dermatocarpon euplocum (Ach.) A.L. Sm.
    • &#8801Lichen euplocus Ach.

Common Names

  • Peltula Lichen
  • Rock Olive Lichen
  • Bolander's Peltula Lichen

Distribution and Habitat

  • Peltula lichens are found globally, including:
    • Arid regions
    • Australia (Kimberleys, Western Australia)
    • Nama Karoo, Namibia
    • Arizona Sonoran Desert
    • Netherlands Antilles, Saba
    • Channel Islands, California
    • Big Bend National Park, Texas
  • They can be saxicolous (growing on rock) or terricolous (growing on soil).

Ecological Role

  • Peltula lichens can be a dominant component of biological soil crusts (BSCs) in arid regions.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Squamulose (scale-like) lichens.
  • Small in size.
  • Color ranges from dark brown to olive or dark gray.
  • Some species, like Peltula euploca, are foliose (leafy) and stratified, up to 1-1.5 cm wide.
  • Peltula can be Scaly to minutely Shrubby lichens, with flattened to erect, rather round lobes.
  • Some Peltula euploca have bluish, grayish, olive, or blackish soredia.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Peltula species form a symbiotic relationship with green algae or cyanobacteria. The algal cells are firmly attached to hyphae within the lichen's medulla.

Quirky Facts

  • Peltula species are sometimes referred to as "Rock-olive lichens" because of their color and shape.

Further Information

  • Brodo, I.M., Sharnoff, S.D. and Sharnoff, S. (2001) Lichens of North America. Yale University Press, New Haven.
  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • ResearchGate
  • Muelleria 6: 495&#8211517 (1988)
  • California Lichen Society