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Acroscyphus

Scientific Name: Acroscyphus

Family: Caliciaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Acroscyphus sphaerophoroides

Acroscyphus sphaerophoroides, also known as Crab-eye Lichen or Mountain Crab Eye Lichen, is a fascinating fruticose lichen belonging to the Acroscyphus genus.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acroscyphus sphaerophoroides Lv.
  • Common Names: Crab-eye Lichen, Mountain Crab Eye Lichen
  • Family: Caliciaceae (sometimes listed under Physciaceae in older references)
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Phylum: Ascomycota
  • Class: Ascomycetes / Lecanoromycetes
  • Order: Caliciales
  • Genus: Acroscyphus
  • Type species: Acroscyphus sphaerophoroides Lv., 1846
  • Synonyms:
    • Acroscyphus N. Kitag. (later homonym, replaced by Acroscyphella N. Kitag. & Grolle)

Distribution and Habitat

Acroscyphus sphaerophoroides has been found in various locations, including:

  • Washington State (U.S.A.)
  • Alaska (U.S.A.) - representing the most northerly sighting worldwide
  • Hengduanshan Mountains
  • Hondo, Japan (alpine regions, Pinus pumila forest)
  • Dochula, Bhutan

Morphological Characteristics

  • Described as a medium-sized stratified fruticose (shrub) lichen.
  • Consists of dense tufts of semi-erect to erect branches.

Ecological Role

This lichen typically grows on exposed rocks in alpine regions. It is considered rare in some areas, such as Japan.

Quirky Facts

  • The common name, "Crab-eye Lichen," likely refers to the appearance of the lichen clumps on rock outcrops.
  • Acroscyphus is a monotypic genus, meaning it contains only one species: Acroscyphus sphaerophoroides.

Further Information

More information can be found at:

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Discover Life
  • The Plant List
  • The South African National Biodiversity Institute

Some studies have investigated the chemical variability and potential antitumour properties of polysaccharides found in Acroscyphus sphaerophoroides.