SafePlants

Rimmed Lichens (Various Species)

This page provides information on various species of lichens commonly referred to as "rimmed lichens." These lichens belong to several genera and exhibit diverse characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

• Lichens may grow on surfaces accessible to pets, such as rocks or tree bark.

Considerations for Children

• Lichens can grow on rocks and other outdoor surfaces where children play.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Family: Hymeneliaceae (for some Aspicilia species)
• Family: Lecanoraceae (for Rhizoplaca)
• Genus: Aspicilia
• Genus: Rhizoplaca
• Synonyms and related names:
  • Lecanora reptans (for Aspicilia reptans)
  • Lecanora ryrkaipiae (for Aspicilia reptans)

Notable Species

• Aspicilia annulata
  • Common Name: Rimmed Lichen
  • Kingdom: Fungi
• Aspicilia calcarea
  • Common Name: Calcareous Rimmed Lichen
• Aspicilia reptans
  • Common Name: Rimmed Lichen
• Rhizoplaca species
  • Common Name: Rimmed Navel Lichens

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in various locations, including Ireland and the valley of the Dry Frio River.
• Observed at Sagehen Creek Basin, CA and Olonne-sur-Mer, Vendee, Pays de la Loire, France.

Morphological Characteristics

• Crustose lichens often have a rim surrounding the cup-shaped apothecia.
• Pannaria conoplea is a leafy lichen with a jelly-like thallus when wet, that shrinks and become strongly wrinkled

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are composite organisms, typically a symbiosis between a fungus and algae (green or blue-green).
• Horn-rimmed snails are found on lichens.
• Wirework cloches can be used to protect plants from animals such as deer, rabbits, squirrels and birds.
• Copper rimmed cloche provides a barrier to keep slugs and snails away from plants.

Further Information

• More information can be found at MO, ToL, BHL, and WikiSpecies.