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blackthread lichen

Scientific Name: Placynthium asperellum

Family: Placynthiaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Placynthium: The Blackthread Lichen

Placynthium is a fascinating genus of lichenized fungi belonging to the Placynthiaceae family. These lichens are commonly known as blackthread lichens.

Considerations for Pets

  • The provided text mentions the name "blackthread lichens", which could imply thread-like structures.

Considerations for Children

  • The provided text mentions the name "blackthread lichens", which could imply thread-like structures.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Placynthium
  • Common Name: Blackthread Lichen (also sometimes referred to as Ink Lichen)
  • Family: Placynthiaceae
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Synonyms:
    • Antarctomia D.C. Linds.
    • Anziella Gyeln.
    • Calkinsia Nieuwl.
    • Callolechia Kremp.
    • Collolechia A. Massal.
    • Lecothecium Trevis.

Notable Species

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

Distribution and Habitat

Placynthium lichens have been noted in various locations, including:

  • North America
  • England
  • Australia

They are also characteristic of non-vascular pavement alvars.

Ecological Role

Placynthium nigrum is mentioned as a characteristic species in open canopy environments, often alongside mosses.

Quirky Facts

  • In Iceland, different species of Placynthium have distinct Icelandic names: Placynthium asperellum is called "Grasafriorasafn," Placynthium flabellosum is called "Flatslyra," and Placynthium nigrum is called "Blslyra."

Additional Resources

  • USDA PLANTS Database
  • British Lichen Society (BLS) Lichen Database
  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • ordabok.is (Icelandic online dictionary)