SafePlants

Arthonia vinosa

Arthonia vinosa, also known as Dot Lichen, is a species of lichen belonging to the Arthoniaceae family. Some vernacular names include "rdplettet pletlav" (Danish) and "Vinflekklav" (Norwegian).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Arthonia vinosa Leight.
• Family: Arthoniaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi
• Phylum: Lichens
• Class: Arthoniomycetes
• Order: Arthoniales
• Synonyms:
  • Arthonia didyma auct. brit. p.p.
  • Arthonia lurida auct., non Ach.
  • Coniangium luridum auct., non (Ach.) Fr.
  • Arthonia lurida f. vinosa (Leight.) Zahlbr.
  • Arthonia pineti Krb.
  • Arthonia vinosa var. pineti (Krb.) Leight.

Distribution and Habitat

• Arthonia vinosa has been found in various locations including the British Isles, Bornholm (Denmark), Nordstjylland (Denmark), Belgium (Mosan), British Columbia (Canada), and Estonia.
• It is corticolous, typically growing on the old and rough bark of Quercus (oak) trees in shaded forests.

Morphological Characteristics

• The thallus is a thin, smooth or somewhat scurfy crust, greenish or yellowish cream in color.
• It is often mottled with brighter orange and has embedded, red-brown to brown-black apothecia (fruiting bodies).

Cytological Information

• The spores are described as 3-septate and 4-celled, measuring approximately 21 x 5 micrometres.

Conservation Status

• In the British Isles, Arthonia vinosa is listed with a conservation status of LC (Least Concern).
• However, in other regions, it may be considered vulnerable due to changing forestry practices.

Similar Species

• Arthonia vinosa can be confused with Arthonia spadicea (when the latter lacks orange zones and has dark-brown apothecia and smaller ascospores) and Arthonia didyma. It may also be similar to Arthonia radiata if the apothecia are stellate.

Resources and Further Information

• Index Fungorum: http://www.indexfungorum.org/names/NamesRecord.asp?RecordID=376926
• Encyclopedia of Life
• NBN Atlas Northern Ireland interactive map via CEDaR.