SafePlants

Aspicilia and Other Rimmed Lichens

This page provides information about various lichens, including those in the genus Aspicilia and other lichens described as having a "rimmed" appearance. Lichens are fascinating symbiotic organisms, typically a combination of a fungus and an alga.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Some descriptions mention "cloches" used to protect plants from animals like deer, rabbits, and squirrels. These cloches may pose a physical hazard depending on their construction (e.g., wirework).

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Genus: Aspicilia A. Massal.
• Family: Hymeneliaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi (based on related lichens)
• Symbol: ASPIC2
• Synonyms: Some species have synonyms, such as Lecanora reptans and Lecanora ryrkaipiae for Aspicilia reptans.

Common Names

• Rimmed Lichen
• Calcareous Rimmed Lichen (Aspicilia calcarea)
• Contorted Rimmed Lichen (Aspicilia contorta)
• Rimmed Navel Lichens (referring to the genus Rhizoplaca)
• Old Wood Rimmed Lichen (Lecanactis salicina)
• Mealy-rimmed Shingle Lichen (Pannaria conoplea)
• White-rimmed Shingle Lichen (synonym for Fuscopannaria leucosticta)
• Rimmed Cobblestone Lichen (Acarospora glaucocarpa)
• Gray-rimmed Firedot Lichen (Caloplaca cerina)
• Powder-rimmed Camouflage Lichen (Melanelixia albertana)

Distribution and Habitat

• Mentions exist of lichens found in Ireland, Sagehen Creek Basin (CA), the valley of the Dry Frio River, France, and other locations. Specific species may have more restricted ranges.
• Aspicilia calcarea (Calcareous Rimmed Lichen) is often found on limestone rock.

Morphological Characteristics

• Lichens can have a variety of growth forms, including crustose (forming a crust on the substrate), leafy, and shingle-like.
• Some lichens have apothecia (cup-shaped structures) with a distinct rim.
• The thallus (lichen body) can be jelly-like when wet, shrinking and wrinkling when dry.

Quirky Facts

• Some sources suggest consulting a calendar tool to determine the best time to "plant" Quartzite Rimmed Lichen (Aspicilia quartzitica), although lichens are generally not "planted" in the traditional sense.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions "horn-rimmed snails" found on lichens, illustrating a direct interaction.
• Cloches are used to protect plants from animals like slugs and snails.

Further Information

• The text references several online resources:
  • MO (likely Missouri Botanical Garden)
  • ToL (Tree of Life Web Project)
  • BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)
  • WikiSpecies