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bryocaulon lichen

Scientific Name: Bryocaulon divergens

Family: Parmeliaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bryocaulon divergens: The Bryocaulon Lichen

The Bryocaulon divergens, often referred to as Bryocaulon Lichen, is a fascinating lichen species that plays a unique ecological role.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text describes the thallus of Bryocaulon divergens as fragile.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bryocaulon divergens (Ach.) Karnefelt
  • Common Names: Bryocaulon Lichen, Arctic Pretzel Lichen, Heath Foxhair Lichen, Northern Foxhair Lichen
  • Family: Parmeliaceae
  • Kingdom: Fungi (as it is a lichenized fungi)
  • Synonyms: Alectoria divergens (Ach.) Nyl., Coelocaulon divergens (Ach.) R. Howe
  • Bryocaulon pseudosatoanum (Asah.) Karnefelt is also mentioned.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bryocaulon has a widespread distribution in north temperate regions.
  • It can be found on tundra.
  • Specific locations mentioned include: Eagle Summit, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA; Machu Picchu, Peru; Estados Unidos (United States)

Morphological Characteristics

  • The thallus is fruticose, erect, branching, fragile, and shining.
  • It ranges from dark-red-brown to blackish-brown in color.
  • It can reach 5-8 cm in height.
  • The main axes can be up to 2 mm thick.
  • The branches are dichotomous, with raised features.

Ecological Role and Interactions

  • Bryocaulon spp. are forage lichens, sometimes considered alongside Alectoria, Cetraria, and Cladonia.
  • It is used by reindeer.

Traditional Uses

  • Bryocaulon spp. and other Alectoria-like and Usnea-like beard lichens are called "Lappo" by the Saami of northern Scandinavia.

Further Information

  • Brodo, I.M., Sharnoff, S.D. and Sharnoff, S. (2001) Bryocaulon (pp. 178-179) In, Lichens of North America. Yale University Press, New Haven.
  • The Genera Bryocaulon, Coelocaulon and Cornicularia and Formerly Associated Taxa by I Krnefelt
  • Suomen jklopas (Lichen Flora of Finland), Publisher: Botanical
  • Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical