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cracked lichen

Scientific Name: Acarospora instrata

Family: Acarosporaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cracked Lichens: An Overview

Cracked lichens, often resembling cobblestone roads or cracked paint, belong to the genus Acarospora. This group includes various species, each with unique characteristics and distribution.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions "sheep-based drug cartel" in relation to Narcotic Lichen which although not directly related to the plant is included for reference to illicit activities.

Considerations for Children

  • Some lichens grow on rocks and can contribute to the rocks breaking apart.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Acarospora (genus)
  • Common Names: Cobblestone Lichen, Cracked Lichen

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Acarosporaceae
  • Kingdom: Fungi (implied)
  • Genus: Acarospora
  • Species Examples:
    • Acarospora aeruginosa Hasse
    • Acarospora albomarginata (Herre) Salisb.
    • Acarospora arenosa Herre
    • Acarospora gallica
    • Acarospora schleicheri
    • Acarospora nodulosa
    • Acarospora socialis
    • Acarospora badiofusca
  • Symbol: ACARO2

Distribution and Habitat

  • Narcotic lichen is rare and grows in desolate parts of the Rockies.
  • Acarospora nodulosa has been found in Planalto das Cezaredas, Portugal.
  • Mention of occurrence in Idaho.

Morphological Characteristics

  • They may look like a cobblestone road or cracked up old paint.
  • Cracked-areolate thallus: A continuous crust that cracks during growth.
  • Thallus: Initially separate lumps growing on the prothallus which grow together producing a cracked surface.
  • Crustaceous lichen, with angular, bright yellow aeroles. The apothecia are small, two or more per areole, darker and immersed in the areoles.
  • Buellia subalbula is a species of lichen with a distinctive white, cracked thallus which often appears slightly frosted.

Ecological Role

  • Lichens contribute to the breakdown of rocks, albeit very slowly.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Mention of lichens growing on trees and rocks alongside moss.

Quirky Facts

  • One reference jokingly mentions the potential for a "sheep-based drug cartel" related to "Narcotic Lichen".

Resources and Further Information

  • Mushroom Observer: Provides observations and images of lichens.
  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • Mention of Kullhem.