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spilonema lichen

Scientific Name: Spilonema revertens

Family: Coccocarpiaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Spilonema: A Unique Lichen Genus

Spilonema is a fascinating genus of lichens, often overlooked but playing a significant role in diverse ecosystems. This page provides an overview of Spilonema, drawing from various research and observations.

Considerations for Pets

  • Spilonema lichens are often found on rocks, potentially making them accessible to pets in outdoor environments.

Considerations for Children

  • Spilonema lichens are often found on rocks, potentially making them accessible to children in outdoor environments.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Spilonema Bornet
  • Accepted Scientific Name: Examples given in the text include Spilonema revertens Nyl. and Spilonema paradoxum Bornet.
  • Family: Coccocarpiaceae
  • Order: Peltigerales
  • Synonyms: Spilonema pannosum Hy, Spilonema tenellum Vain.
  • Taxonomic Rank: Genus

Distribution and Habitat

  • Spilonema species have been observed in various locations:
    • China (Yunnan)
    • Ecuador (Galapagos)
    • Banff National Park, Alberta (on limestone)
    • Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands, intertidal rocky shores)
    • Clearwater Valley, British Columbia (on cliffs of pillow basalt)
    • North America (distribution map available, see resources)
  • Prefers sun-exposed, inclined to vertical seepage tracks of basic rocks.
  • Often found on rocks.

Ecological Role

  • Spilonema dendroides is noted as one of the few lichens known to associate with the cyanobacterial genus Hyphomorpha.
  • Mentioned as linked to Psorula rufonigra.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Minute lichen that grows in scattered or continuous patches on the face of rocks.
  • Outline of the filaments is uniform.

Quirky Facts

  • Spilonema is the only genus of Peltigerales to include species lichenized.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Associates with the cyanobacterial genus Hyphomorpha (specifically, Spilonema dendroides).
  • Psorula rufonigra is often found growing on Spilonema revertens.

Resources and Further Information

  • Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora
  • The Lichenologist
  • British Lichen Society
  • Mushroom Observer (mushroomobserver.org/observer/observations_by_user/2886)
  • ABRS (Checklist of the Lichens of Australia and its Island Territories)
  • Tropicos database
  • ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System - TSN 191485 for Spilonema revertens)
  • KPABG (Polar-Alpine Botanical Garden-Institute) Herbarium
  • Distribution maps for British species are available.