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cracked lichen
Scientific Name: Acarospora interspersa
Family: Acarosporaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Acarospora: The Cobblestone and Cracked Lichens
Lichens of the genus Acarospora, commonly known as cobblestone lichens or cracked lichens, present a unique appearance reminiscent of cobblestone roads or cracked paint. These lichens are diverse and found in various habitats.
There are different kinds of cracked lichen such as:
- Acarospora aeruginosa Hasse
- Acarospora albomarginata (Herre) Salisb.
- Acarospora hilaris
- Acarospora schleicheri
- Acarospora nodulosa
- Acarospora socialis
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that some skin conditions may cause cracking and bleeding. While this refers to a human condition (lichen sclerosus), it highlights that lichens can sometimes have a fragile or easily damaged structure.
Considerations for Children
- As with pets, lichens can sometimes have a fragile or easily damaged structure as seen with the skin condition lichen sclerosus.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Acarospora
- Common Names: Cobblestone lichen, cracked lichen
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota
- Class: Lecanoromycetes
- Order: Agyriales
- Family: Acarosporaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Acarospora species are found in various locations, including the Rocky Mountains, Idaho, Planalto das Cezaredas in Portugal, Britain and Ireland.
- They often grow on rocks, including granite and sandstone cliffs, and can also be found on soil.
Morphological Characteristics
- Acarospora lichens often exhibit a "cracked-areolate" thallus, where a continuous crust develops cracks during growth.
- The lichen thallus can start as separate lumps that merge to form a continuous, cracked surface.
- Some species have angular, bright yellow areoles with small, darker apothecia immersed within.
- Some species have a white, cracked thallus, which can look slightly frosted.
Ecological Role
- Lichens slowly break down rocks through a process of eating away at the surface. This contributes to weathering and soil formation.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Acarospora lichens can be found growing alongside mosses and other lichens on various surfaces, such as rocks and tree bark.
- The scentless mayweed (Tripleurospermum inodorum) has been observed growing on cracked lichen-covered sandstone cliffs.