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blackthread lichen

Scientific Name: Placynthium

Family: Placynthiaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Placynthium: The Blackthread Lichen

Placynthium is a fascinating genus of lichenized fungi belonging to the Placynthiaceae family. Commonly known as blackthread lichens, these organisms are a unique symbiotic partnership between fungi and algae.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some sources mention the "thread-like" nature of these lichens, a factor to consider when assessing potential risks to pets, although the context suggests this refers to their visual appearance rather than a physical hazard.

Considerations for Children

  • Similar to the concerns for pets, the "thread-like" nature of these lichens may be a consideration for very young children who might explore them orally.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Placynthium
  • Common Name: Blackthread Lichen, Ink Lichen, Common Ink Lichen, Quilted Ink Lichen
  • Family: Placynthiaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Antarctomia D.C. Linds.
    • Anziella Gyeln.
    • Calkinsia Nieuwl.
    • Callolechia Kremp.
    • Collolechia A. Massal.
    • Lecothecium Trevis.

Distribution and Habitat

Information indicates Placynthium lichens can be found in diverse locations, including North America and England. They are characteristic species of non-vascular pavement alvars.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Lichens, by their nature, are symbiotic associations of fungi and algae.
  • Some descriptions refer to them as "thread-like."

Related Species

  • Placynthium flabellosum (Tuck.) Zahlbr.
  • Placynthium nigrum (Huds.) A. Gray
  • Placynthium stenophyllum (Tuck.) Fink
  • Placynthium subradiatum (Nyl.) Arnold
  • Placynthium asperellum

Interactions with Other Organisms

As lichens, Placynthium species represent a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae. They can grow on various surfaces, including tree trunks. Mention is also made of insects found "thread-like" on the backs of leaves near these lichens. This suggests that Placynthium can serve as an anchor or point of interest in ecological systems.

Resources and Further Information

  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • USDA PLANTS Database
  • British Lichen Society (BLS) Lichen Database
  • Encyclopedia of Life