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California Fishscale Lichen

The California Fishscale Lichen, a fascinating example of a lichen species, offers a glimpse into the biodiversity of California and other regions. Lichens, though often overlooked, play a vital role in various ecosystems.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Psora californica Timdal
• Common Names: California Fishscale Lichen, Fishscale Lichen

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Psoraceae
• Kingdom: (Implied - Fungi, as lichens are a symbiotic relationship involving fungi)
• Genus: Psora
• Synonyms: Mentions of "cerebral fishscale lichen" and "crenate fishscale lichen" (Psora crenata) suggest they are related species within the same genus and can sometimes be confused. Psora russellii (Russell's Fishscale Lichen) is also related.

Distribution and Habitat

• Primarily found in California, up to 980 m altitude, and at 1250 m on Isla Guadalupe.
• Also found in Australia.
• Grows in Southern California and on the eastern part of the Sierra Nevada range.
• Often observed on tree limbs, including coastal oaks and conifers.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Growth Habit: Lichenous, forming a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae/cyanobacteria.
• Appearance: Described as "flaky, like a pastry, with little fish scale-like layers."

Ecological Role

• Lichens contribute significantly to the region's biological diversity.
• Birds use it to line their nests.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Forms a symbiotic relationship with algae or cyanobacteria.
• Used by birds for nesting material.

Further Information

• Field Guide to California Lichens, Stephen Sharnoff, Yale University Press, 2014.
• Observed and documented by researchers and citizen scientists (e.g., Ken-ichi Ueda).