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bryocaulon lichen

Scientific Name: Bryocaulon

Family: Parmeliaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bryocaulon: The Lichen Genus

Bryocaulon is a genus of lichenized fungi belonging to the Parmeliaceae family. Several species are mentioned within the provided text, including Bryocaulon divergens and Bryocaulon pseudosatoanum.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Bryocaulon
  • Family: Parmeliaceae
  • Rank: Genus
  • Synonyms for Bryocaulon divergens:
    • Alectoria divergens (Ach.) Nyl.
    • Coelocaulon divergens (Ach.) R. Howe
  • Synonyms for Bryocaulon pseudosatoanum:
    • Bryocaulon satoanum (Gyeln.) Krnefelt

The texts reference "Catalogue of Life" in relation to the Bryocaulon genus, and the work of I. Krnefelt in classifying and defining these lichens.

Common Names

  • Bryocaulon Lichen (general)
  • Arctic Pretzel Lichen (for Bryocaulon divergens)
  • Heath Foxhair Lichen (for Bryocaulon divergens)
  • Northern Foxhair Lichen (for Bryocaulon divergens)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bryocaulon has a widespread distribution in north temperate regions.
  • Bryocaulon divergens has been observed on tundra, including locations such as Eagle Summit, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA.
  • One text mentions an observation of a "Bryocaulon-like lichen" in Machu Picchu, Peru.
  • Bryocaulon hyperborea vstedal is known from Greenland.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The thallus is fruticose (shrub-like).
  • It grows erect and branching.
  • The texture is described as fragile and shining.
  • The color ranges from dark-red-brown to blackish brown.
  • Height is typically 5-8 cm tall, with main axes up to 2 mm.
  • Branches are dichotomous (forking into two).
  • Branches have a raised appearance.

Ecological Role

  • Bryocaulon lichens, along with others such as Alectoria and Cetraria, serve as forage for animals.
  • Bryocaulon species are part of lichen-rich environments that include other species like Umbilicaria proboscidea and Loiseluria procumbens.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Bryocaulon species, along with other beard lichens, are called "Lappo" by the Saami people of northern Scandinavia and are recognized for their forage value.

Resources and 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.
  • ResearchGate: Bryocaulon Krnefelt can be found on ResearchGate, a professional network for scientists.
  • Ibaraki Nature Museum, Lichen collection
  • Botany (UPS)
  • United States Department of Agriculture