No images found for this plant ID: 5358.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "5358" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
dotted lichen
Scientific Name: Bacidia rubella
Family: Bacidiaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Dotted Lichen: A Diverse Group of Lichens
The term "Dotted Lichen" refers to various lichen species, often belonging to the Bacidia genus. Lichens are fascinating composite organisms formed by a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Genus: Bacidia
- Common Name: Dotted Lichen (applies to several species)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota (for Bacidia schweinitzii and other species)
- Class: Lecanoromycetes (for Bacidia schweinitzii and other species)
- Order: Unknown (but implied based on the provided text concerning Bacidia schweinitzii)
- Family: Bacidiaceae (as inferred from BAAR6's Botanical Family)
- Synonyms and Related Species:
- Bacidia arceutina
- Bacidia polychroa
- Bacidia rosella
- Bacidia rubella
- Bacidia jacobi
- Bacidia trachona
- Bacidia granosa
- Bacidia bagliettoana
- Bacidia brouardii
- Bacidia circumspecta
- Bacidia heterochroa
- Ramalina farinacea (Dotted Ramalina or Dotted Line)
- Bacidia schweinitzii (Synonym: Surprise Lichen)
Distribution and Habitat
- Many Bacidia species are widespread, including in the UK, where there are approximately 1700 species of lichens.
- Dotted ramalina (Ramalina farinacea) is commonly found on trees.
- Some Dotted Lichens are found on alpine granite and peat.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Dotted Lichens exhibit a fruticose (shrubby) growth form.
- Some are crustose.
- Dotted vessels may be present.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Lichens, including Dotted Lichens, serve as a food source for some moth larvae.
- Moths may rest on lichens using them as camouflage.
Further Information
- Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
- Encyclopedia of Life
- WikiSpecies