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Rimularia Lichen

Rimularia is a genus of lichen belonging to the family Rimulariaceae. Several species within this genus are referenced, including Rimularia furvella, Rimularia badioatra, Rimularia gibbosa, Rimularia applanata, Rimularia insularis, Rimularia fuscosora, Rimularia mullensis, Rimularia limborina, Rimularia exigua, Rimularia caeca, and Rimularia gyromuscosa.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Rimularia Nyl.
• Family: Rimulariaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi
• Group: Lichen
• Synonyms for Rimularia insularis: Lecidea insularis, Lecidea intumescens

Distribution and Habitat

• Rimularia species are found in various locations, including the northern and western regions (likely referring to Europe), montane rocks (especially schist), the Greater Sonoran Desert Region, the southern subpolar region, western Canada, Tasmania (with endemic species), the Aegean, Central Siberian Biosphere Reserve, North America, Pacific Northwest, and New South Wales (Australia).
• Rimularia exigua was found growing on boulders in a eucalypt forest in New South Wales.

Morphological Characteristics

• Thallus can be grey-brown or grey to dark brown or black
• Thallus can be cracked-areolate
• Apothecia are minute and black.

Ecological Role

• Some Rimularia species are parasitic on other lichens. Rimularia insularis forms a photosynthetic thallus on lichens of the Lecanora rupicola group. Rimularia furvella can grow on other lichens.
• Mentioned as a parasite of numerous crustose lichen species growing on well-lit siliceous rocks.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Rimularia insularis interacts with Lecanora rupicola, with hyphae of the host lichen detectable in the thalli of R. insularis.

Further Information

• Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert Region
• British Lichen Society
• Botanical Museum, University of Oslo
• Lichen Herbarium Berlin