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globe ball lichen
Scientific Name: Sphaerophorus globosus
Family: Sphaerophoraceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Globe Ball Lichen
The Globe Ball Lichen, scientifically known as Sphaerophorus globosus, is a fascinating lichen species. It is also known as Coral Lichen or Tuckermann's Ball-bearing Lichen. The lichen is also known by the other English Common Names of Coral Lichen and Northern Coral Lichen.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions using lichens in terrariums, sometimes involving glass balls. Care should be taken to ensure the setup is secure and inaccessible to pets, to prevent potential ingestion of the lichen or injury from broken glass.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions lichens being used in terrariums, including those within glass balls. As such, it would be prudent to ensure these creations are secure and inaccessible to young children to prevent potential ingestion of the lichen or injury from broken glass.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Sphaerophorus globosus (Huds.) Vain.
- Rank: Species
- Family: Sphaerophoraceae
Distribution and Habitat
- The lichen is found in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Growth Habit: Lichenous
- Some lichens can grow to be 5-15 cm long.
- Crustose lichens form crusts that are tightly attached to rocks, trees, or sidewalks.
Quirky Facts
- Lichens are thought to be among the oldest living things on Earth.
- Lichen are named after the ever changing color of the creeping algae which ages stone so beautifully.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The text mentions that lichens consist of little balls of algae wrapped in threads of fungus (called soredia).
- Tardigrades can be found in lichen.
Further Information
- iNaturalist
- Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas