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disc lichen

Scientific Name: Buellia bolacina

Family: Physciaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Disc Lichen (Genus *Buellia*)

Lichens in the genus *Buellia* are commonly referred to as disc lichens or button lichens. This genus showcases a remarkable diversity and widespread distribution.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: *Buellia* De Not.
  • Common Names: Disc Lichen, Button Lichen, Common Button Lichen, Black Disc Lichen
  • Family: Physciaceae (mentioned in relation to *Buellia nigra*)
  • Synonyms: Buelliopsis (as in *Buelliopsis papillata*)

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the presence of "necrotic thalline material" in some disc lichens. While the specific implications are not detailed, it is worth being aware that some lichens contain compounds that could be irritating or harmful if ingested by pets.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The genus has a widespread distribution.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Howard County (Maryland), the Diamond Coast, Chiricahua National Monument (New Mexico), South Glenmore Park, and England.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Disc lichens have disc-shaped apothecia, which are fruiting bodies involved in sexual reproduction. These apothecia can be black or yellow.
  • The thallus (main body of the lichen) can vary in color, including yellow, gray-green, and brown.
  • Some species feature strongly split discs, forming twisted rows.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text mentions studies on the re-establishment rate of reindeer lichen species following soil preparation for pine (Pinus) trees.
  • Some disc lichens can grow on live trees, such as poplar.

Antimicrobial Activity

  • Extracts from some lichens have shown potential antifungal effects in laboratory tests using the disc diffusion method.

Related Species

  • *Buellia amphidexia*
  • *Buellia capitis-regnum*
  • *Buellia imshaugii*
  • *Buellia melanochroa*
  • *Buellia nigra*
  • *Buellia papillata* (also known as *Buelliopsis papillata*)
  • *Buellia stillingiana*

Quirky Facts

  • The text references a "Captive Lichen Disc" which turns out to be a pattern from a dragonfly wing.
  • One reference is made to Disc Lichen being the name of a yarn color.
  • The text references a company that makes lichen discs.

Further Information

  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • British Lichen Society - BLS Lichen Database