SafePlants

Sphinctrina Species: An Overview

This page provides information about various species within the Sphinctrina genus, primarily focusing on their characteristics as lichens and lichenicolous fungi (fungi that parasitize lichens).

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Sphinctrina Fr., 1825 (Genus)
• Family: Sphinctrinaceae
• Order: Mycocaliciales, Lecanorales (for Pannaria sphinctrina)
• Class: Eurotiomycetes
• Phylum: Lichens
• Informal Taxonomy: Fungi/Lichens - Lichens
• Synonyms: Sphinctrina microcephala Nyl. (synonym of Sphinctrina anglica according to some resources). Sphaeria sphincterica Sowerby (synonym of Sphinctrina turbinata)

Distribution and Habitat

• Species of Sphinctrina are found in various regions, including the UK, Europe, Greater Sonoran Desert Region, Australia (Pannaria sphinctrina), subtropical Florida, and Bermuda.
• Some species, like Pannaria sphinctrina, are considered exclusively panaustral.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Sphinctrina species are often described as parasitic or commensalistic on other lichens (lichenicolous).
• Sphinctrina anglica has apothecia (fruiting bodies) that are 0.2-0.4 mm tall, with a short stalk, and black in color.

Ecological Role

• Many Sphinctrina species are lichenicolous fungi, meaning they are parasites on living lichens. This can affect the health and distribution of the host lichen.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Sphinctrina species are known to parasitize lichens of the genera such as Protoparmelia and Pertusaria pertusa.

Quirky Facts

• Sphinctrina anglica is also known as "English Puckered Pin." It's described as a stubble-like fungus that parasitizes lichen.

Resources and Further Information

• Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora
• Nordic Lichen Flora
• NBN (data.nbn.org.uk) for UK distribution maps
• British Lichen Society
• Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert Region. Vol 2. Tempe
• Australian National Botanic Gardens Lichen Classification