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asterothyrium lichen

Scientific Name: Asterothyrium decipiens

Family: Thelotremataceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Asterothyrium Lichen

Asterothyrium, commonly known as Asterothyrium Lichen, is a fascinating genus of lichen. This page provides information on its classification, distribution, and other interesting facts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Asterothyrium Müll. Arg.
  • Common Name: Asterothyrium Lichen
  • Kingdom: Plantae (though lichens are now classified within the Fungi kingdom)
  • Family: Graphidaceae (in some instances), Thelotremataceae, or Gomphillaceae. Asterothyrium is a genus of fungi within the Gomphillaceae family.
  • Rank: Genus (species)
  • Synonyms: Specific species may have synonyms (e.g., Asterothyrium rotuliforme is sometimes referred to without authors).

Distribution and Habitat

Asterothyrium lichens are found in various locations around the world, including:

  • Australia
  • United States
  • Taiwan
  • New Caledonia
  • Costa Rica
  • Guyana
  • India (Chakrata Hills, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur)
  • Mexico (Veracruz, Los Tuxtlas Tropical Station)
  • Vietnam
  • Papua New Guinea
  • French Guiana
  • Cameroon
  • Lowland and montane rainforests

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Asterothyrium is described as a lichenous plant.
  • Many species are foliicolous, meaning they grow on leaves.

Species within the Genus

The Plants Database includes several species of Asterothyrium, including:

  • Asterothyrium leucophthalmum (Müll. Arg.) R. Sant.
  • Asterothyrium monosporum Müll. Arg.
  • Asterothyrium rotuliforme (Müll. Arg.) Serus.
  • Asterothyrium argenteum Müll. Arg.
  • Asterothyrium microsporum R. Sant.
  • Asterothyrium decipiens (Rehm) R. Sant.
  • Asterothyrium atromarginatum sp. nov.
  • Asterothyrium chroodisciformis
  • Asterothyrium pittieri
  • Asterothyrium rondoniense
  • Asterothyrium sp.

Ecological Role

  • Asterothyrium is often mentioned in the context of foliicolous lichen floras, playing a role in rainforest ecosystems.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Some species of Asterothyrium can host lichenicolous fungi.

Further Information

For more information about Asterothyrium, you can consult the following resources:

  • Index Fungorum
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Australian New Crops Web Site
  • USDA Plants Database
  • Arizona State University Lichen Herbarium (http://nhc.asu.edu/lichens/)
  • Field Museum of Natural History (Botany)
  • ABRS (Checklist of Pacific Island Lichens - New Caledonia)