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blackthread lichen

Scientific Name: Placynthium nigrum

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. Commonly known as blackthread lichens, these organisms showcase the symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • As a lichen, Placynthium often forms crusty structures. It's important to consider the texture and potential fragility of these structures if they're present in areas accessible to pets or children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Placynthium
  • Common Name: Blackthread lichen
  • Family: Placynthiaceae
  • Scientific Synonyms:
    • Antarctomia D.C. Linds.
    • Anziella Gyeln.
    • Calkinsia Nieuwl.
    • Callolechia Kremp.
    • Collolechia A. Massal.
    • Lecothecium Trevis.
  • Specific species include:
    • Placynthium nigrum (Huds.) A. Gray (also known as Common Ink Lichen, Quilted Ink Lichen)
    • Placynthium flabellosum (Tuck.) Zahlbr.
    • Placynthium stenophyllum (Tuck.) Fink
    • Placynthium subradiatum (Nyl.) Arnold

Distribution and Habitat

  • Placynthium species, including Placynthium nigrum, can be found in various locations, including England and North America.
  • They are often found in non-vascular pavement alvars, growing alongside mosses.

Quirky Facts

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

Associations with Other Organisms

  • Lichens are symbiotic associations of a fungus and either a green alga or a cyanobacterium.
  • The text mentions instances of black thread-like insects or scales on plants, but these are distinct from the lichen itself, although lichens can sometimes be mistaken for harmful infestations.

Further Resources

  • USDA PLANTS Database: Profile for Placynthium (blackthread lichen)
  • British Lichen Society (BLS) Lichen Database
  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • Encyclopedia of Life