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Protoblastenia Lichen

Protoblastenia is a genus of lichen-forming fungi within the family Psoraceae. Several species are mentioned, including Protoblastenia calva, Protoblastenia rupestris, Protoblastenia incrustans, Protoblastenia lilacina, and Protoblastenia szaferi. Common names include protoblastenia lichen and orange dot lichen.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Protoblastenia (Zahlbr.) J. Steiner
• Family: Psoraceae
• Rank: Genus
• Synonyms: Protoblastenia calva auct. p.p. is listed as a synonym for Protoblastenia lilacina.
• Note: Several species names include the authority "(Scop.) J. Steiner" or "(Dicks.) Zahlbr."

Distribution and Habitat

• Widespread, as evidenced by mentions of its presence in Dorset (UK), the Burren National Park (Ireland), Greece (Aegean), Sweden, North America, and Taiwan.
• Found on various substrates including limestone, concrete pavements, pavers, blocks, steps, and walls.
• Protoblastenia rupestris is specifically noted as a basicolous lichen favoring limestone and concrete.

Morphological Characteristics

• Thallus: Described as crustose (crust-like), thin and superficial.
• Color: Greenish, pale to orange-grey, or grey-brown. Protoblastenia szaferi is described as vividly colored, making it conspicuous.
• Apothecia: Pale to deep orange, often strongly convex, and not set in pits.

Ecology

• Observed growing on rock ("On rock.")

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Evidence of liberation of lichen ascospores in clusters and reports on contact of the epilithic crustose lichens Lecanora dispersa, Protoblastenia immersa.

Further Information

• Encyclopedia of Life
• Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert Region
• APHOTOFUNGI - Photographic Stock Library
• BioImages (www.bioimages.org.uk)
• Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist