SafePlants

Rimmed Lichen: A Botanical Overview

This article provides a general overview of various lichens referred to as "rimmed lichens," encompassing different species and genera with shared characteristics. It compiles information from various sources, offering insights into their classification, habitat, and unique attributes.

Considerations for Pets

• Some references mention the use of wirework cloches to protect plants from animals like rabbits and squirrels, suggesting potential attractiveness or accessibility of the plants (or lichens, in this case) to such animals in a garden setting.

Scientific Names and Common Names

• The term "rimmed lichen" is used as a common name for several lichen species.
• Specific scientific names mentioned include:
  • Aspicilia reptans (Rimmed Lichen)
  • Aspicilia calcarea (Calcareous Rimmed Lichen)
  • Aspicilia annulata (Rimmed Lichen)
  • Aspicilia quartzitica (Quartzite Rimmed Lichen)
• Other lichens mentioned with rimmed-related names include:
  • Rhizoplaca (Rimmed Navel Lichens)
  • Lecanactis salicina (Old Wood Rimmed Lichen)
  • Caloplaca cerina (Gray-rimmed Firedot Lichen)
  • Pertusaria velata (Rimmed Wart Lichen)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Fungi (Lichens are a symbiotic association, but the fungal component dictates their classification).
• Family: Hymeneliaceae (for Aspicilia species). Other families mentioned are Lecanoraceae and Megasporaceae.
• Synonyms and alternative scientific names:
  • Lecanora reptans (synonym for Aspicilia reptans)
  • Lecanora ryrkaipiae (synonym for Aspicilia reptans)

Distribution and Habitat

• Aspicilia calcarea (Calcareous Rimmed Lichen) is found on limestone rock.
• References are made to observations in various locations, including Ireland, the valley of the Dry Frio River (Texas), Olonne-sur-Mer (France), and the Sagehen Creek Basin (California).
• Some species are noted as "Not In Idaho," suggesting their distribution elsewhere.

Morphological Characteristics

• Crustose lichens are mentioned with regard to characteristics of the rim surrounding the cup-shaped apothecia.
• Rimmed navel lichens (Rhizoplaca) are named for the morphology of their thallus.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are symbiotic associations of fungi with algae (green or blue-green) or both.
• Wirework cloches are used to protect plants from deer, rabbits, squirrels, and birds, implying that these animals may interact with lichens or nearby plants.

Further Information

• References are made to various resources:
  • Reverso Dictionary
  • dict.cc (English-German dictionary)
  • Missouri Botanical Garden (MO)
  • Tree of Life Project (ToL)
  • Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL)
  • WikiSpecies
  • Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert Region
  • Wikimedia Commons
  • Wisconsin's Natural Heritage Working List