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cracked lichen

Scientific Name: Acarospora sinopica

Family: Acarosporaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cracked Lichen: A Closer Look

Cracked lichens, often resembling cobblestone roads or cracked paint, encompass various species primarily within the Acarospora genus. They are characterized by a distinctive cracked surface or areolate thallus.

Considerations for Children

  • The cracked surface of some lichens may be tempting to pick at or peel, potentially leading to skin irritation.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

  • Common Names: Cobblestone lichen, cracked lichen
  • Genus: Acarospora
  • Family: Acarosporaceae
  • Kingdom: Fungi (Based on the classification of Schleicher's Cracked Lichen)
  • Examples of species include: Acarospora hilaris, Acarospora aeruginosa, Acarospora arenosa, Acarospora gallica, Acarospora schleicheri, Acarospora nodulosa, Acarospora impressula, Acarospora badiofusca, Acarospora socialis
  • Schleicher's Cracked Lichen is classified as: Kingdom Fungi &gt Phylum Ascomycota &gt Class Lecanoromycetes &gt Order Agyriales &gt Family Acarosporaceae

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cracked lichens are found in various locations worldwide.
  • Narcotic lichen, a rare type, grows in desolate parts of the Rockies.
  • Schleicher's Cracked Lichen is found in the Rocky Mountains.
  • Acarospora nodulosa has been observed in Planalto das Cezaredas, Portugal.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The lichen thallus may start as separate lumps that grow together, forming a continuous cracked surface.
  • Some species, like Buellia subalbula, have a white, cracked thallus.
  • Certain lichens display a 'cracked-areolate' thallus where a continuous crust cracks during growth.
  • Acarospora with bright yellow aeroles and small, darker apothecia that are immersed in the areoles have been described.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Lichens can contribute to the breakdown of rocks over time.
  • They can grow on various surfaces, including granite, sandstone cliffs, tree bark, and wooden planks.

Quirky Facts

  • One type of cracked lichen is called "narcotic lichen," though the text suggests this name is facetious.

Further Resources

  • plants.usda.gov
  • HortHub.com
  • Mushroom Observer (mushroomobserver.org)
  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist