SafePlants

Cracked Lichen: A Closer Look

Cracked lichens, often resembling cobblestone roads or cracked paint, belong to the genus Acarospora within the family Acarosporaceae. The term "cracked lichen" is a common descriptor for lichens with an areolate thallus, where the continuous crust cracks during growth.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions "sheep-based drug cartel" which implies that some lichens can be "narcotic". The use and potential impact of lichens on animal health has not been clearly defined, and caution is warranted.
• The fragmented nature of the "cracked-areolate" thallus means that small pieces might detach.

Considerations for Children

• The fragmented nature of the "cracked-areolate" thallus means that small pieces might detach.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Acarospora (Genus)
• Family: Acarosporaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi (as lichens are a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae/cyanobacteria)
• Common Names: Cobblestone lichens, Cracked lichens
• Synonyms/Related Species:
  • Acarospora hilaris
  • Acarospora schleicheri (Schleicher's Cracked Lichen)
  • Acarospora aeruginosa
  • Acarospora arenosa
  • Acarospora gallica (Gallic Cracked Lichen)
  • Acarospora nodulosa (Nodule Cracked Lichen)
  • Acarospora impressula
  • Acarospora badiofusca

Distribution and Habitat

• Narcotic lichen is reported as rare and growing in desolate parts of the Rockies.
• Schleicher's Cracked Lichen is found in the Rocky Mountains.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cracked lichens often have a "cracked-areolate" thallus, which forms when a continuous crust cracks during growth.
• The lichen thallus is initially made up of separate lumps that grow together to produce a cracked surface.
• Some species have a white, cracked thallus that appears slightly frosted.
• Some species show angular, bright yellow aeroles, with small, darker apothecia.

Ecological Role

• Lichens slowly break down rocks.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions lichens growing on rocks, trees, and sandstone cliffs, indicating their interaction with these substrates.

Quirky Facts

• One passage humorously refers to the potential for a "sheep-based drug cartel" related to "narcotic lichen," implying the lichen might have psychoactive properties, although this is presented in a jocular manner.

Further Information

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