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Polycoccum

Polycoccum is a genus of lichenicolous fungi (fungi that live on lichens). Several species within this genus induce gall formation on their host lichens.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Polycoccum Sauter ex Krb.
• Rank: Genus
• Kingdom: Plantae (Note: While listed under Plantae in some classifications, fungi are now generally placed in their own Kingdom, Fungi)
• Family: Dacampiaceae / Lichenotheliaceae (conflicting data exists in the text)
• Synonyms: Some specific species have synonyms, e.g., Polycoccum pulvinatum (Eitner) R. Sant.
• Species Examples: Polycoccum slaptoniense, Polycoccum gelidaria, Polycoccum anatolicum, Polycoccum pulvinatum, Polycoccum squamarioides, Polycoccum peltigerae, Polycoccum epicrassum, Polycoccum sporastatiae, Polycoccum microstictum, Polycoccum dzieduszyckii, Polycoccum acarosporicola, Polycoccum minutulum, Polycoccum follmannii, Polycoccum kerneri, Polycoccum evae, Polycoccum microcarpum, Polycoccum versisporum.

Distribution and Habitat

• Polycoccum species have a wide distribution, found in locations such as:
  • Europe (e.g., Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, Belgium, Germany)
  • North America (e.g., Greater Sonoran Desert Region, Alaska, American continent)
  • New Zealand
  • Russia
  • Turkey (e.g., Malatya, Elaz??, Ad?yaman provinces)
  • Antarctica
• They are often found in bryophyte-lichen tundra.
• Habitat is generally described as ubiquitous.

Ecological Role

• Polycoccum species are lichenicolous, meaning they live on lichens.
• Some species induce gall formation on their host lichens (e.g., on the lichen genus Placopsis).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Polycoccum species parasitize various lichen genera, including Lepraria, Placopsis, Xanthoria, Physcia, and others in the Parmeliaceae family.

Further Information

• Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert Region
• British Lichen Society (BLS)
• Lichen Unlimited: Arizona State University, Tempe
• ResearchGate