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cracked lichen

Scientific Name: Acarospora peltastica

Family: Acarosporaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cracked Lichen (Various Species)

The term "cracked lichen" refers to a group of lichens, often resembling cobblestone roads or cracked paint. Several species within the Acarospora genus are commonly known as cracked lichens, as are lichens with cracked-areolate thallus. The cracking refers to the pattern of the lichen's surface.

Considerations for Pets

  • Lichens growing on rocks may be ingested by pets, especially dogs.

Considerations for Children

  • Lichens growing on rocks may be ingested by children.

Common Names

  • Cracked Lichen
  • Cobblestone Lichen

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Phylum: Ascomycota
  • Class: Lecanoromycetes
  • Order: Agyriales
  • Family: Acarosporaceae (The Acarospora genus belongs to this family)
  • Genus: Acarospora
  • Species: Examples include Acarospora hilaris, Acarospora schleicheri, Acarospora aeruginosa, Acarospora arenosa, Acarospora gallica, Acarospora impressula, Acarospora nodulosa, Acarospora badiofusca, and Acarospora socialis.
  • Synonyms: Schleicher's Cracked Lichen is also known as Crack Lichen, Schleicher Crack.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Acarospora hilaris is found in desolate parts of the Rockies.
  • Acarospora schleicheri is found in Idaho, and the Rocky Mountains.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Cracked lichens often exhibit a "cracked-areolate" thallus, where a continuous crust cracks during growth.
  • The lichen thallus may start as separate lumps that eventually grow together to form a continuous, cracked surface.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Lichens play a role in the weathering and breakdown of rocks.
  • They can grow on various substrates, including bark, sandstone cliffs, and granite.

Further Information

  • More information may be found at plants.usda.gov and HortHub.com.
  • Mushroom Observer: http://mushroomobserver.org/