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Dotted Lichen: A Botanical Exploration

This page provides information about various lichens known as "Dotted Lichen," encompassing multiple species within the Bacidia genus and other related taxa. Lichens are fascinating composite organisms, formed from a symbiotic partnership between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium.

Considerations for Pets

• Lichens grow on trees, rock and other surfaces.

Scientific and Common Names

• Common Name: Dotted Lichen
• Several species are referred to by this name, including:
  • Bacidia arceutina
  • Bacidia polychroa
  • Bacidia rubella
  • Bacidia granosa
• Other possible common names
  • Album-dotted lichen
  • Baglietto'a dotted lichen
  • Brouard's dotted lichen
  • Circumspect dotted lichen
  • Dotted Ribbon Lichen

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Fungi
• Phylum: Ascomycota (for Bacidia schweinitzii, based on available information)
• Genus: Bacidia De Not.
• Family: Bacidiaceae (for BAAR6)
• Synonyms: Surprise Lichen (for Bacidia schweinitzii)

Distribution and Habitat

• Dotted ramalina is widespread on trees due to its tolerance to acid.
• Found in the UK (approximately 1700 species of lichens)
• Observed on alpine granite and peat at Mount Bimberi in the Australian Capital Territory.
• Also found in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Morphological Characteristics

• Dotted ramalina is a fruticose lichen (shrubby, but more slender lichen named Dotted).
• Mention of "dotted vessels" in the context of dermoscopic findings, suggesting small, dot-like structures, although this relates to skin conditions rather than the lichen itself.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Moth larvae (bright green with large black dots) feed on lichens, including beard lichen.
• Lichens provide cryptic camouflage for moths.

Quirky Facts

• Dotted lichens have been used as designs in fabrics.

Further Information

• Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
• Encyclopedia of Life
• WikiSpecies