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disc lichen
Scientific Name: Buellia aethalia
Family: Physciaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Disc Lichen (Genus Buellia)
Lichens in the genus Buellia are commonly known as disc lichens or button lichens. The genus exhibits a widespread distribution and encompasses approximately 450 species.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Buellia De Not.
- Common Names: Disc lichen, Button lichen
- Family: Physciaceae (for at least one species, Buellia nigra)
- Synonyms: Buelliopsis (for some species, e.g., Buellia papillata, also known as Buelliopsis papillata)
- Taxonomic Rank: Genus
- Symbol: BUELL
Distribution and Habitat
- The genus has a widespread distribution.
- Observed on the Diamond Coast (South Africa) in 2012.
- Found growing on live poplar trees.
Morphological Characteristics
- Characterized by disc-shaped apothecia (fruiting bodies), which are often black and epruinose (lacking a powdery surface).
- Apothecia are used in the identification of lichens.
- Some species have yellow, disc-shaped apothecia.
- Thallus may exhibit necrotic thalline material (thalline veil).
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Reindeer lichen species are impacted by disc trenching and soil preparation in clear-cut areas.
Other Notable Species
- Buellia amphidexia
- Buellia capitis-regnum
- Buellia imshaugii
- Buellia melanochroa
- Buellia nigra (Black Disc Lichen)
- Buellia papillata
- Buellia stillingiana (Stilling's Disc Lichen, also known as Common Button Lichen)
Quirky Facts
- The Downs lichen trail was funded by the British Lichen Society and the Bristol Naturalists' Society.
- One source depicts a "Captive Lichen Disc" which is actually a pattern from a dragonfly wing.
Further Information
- Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
- British Lichen Society - BLS Lichen Database
- Lichen Studios Business Card