SafePlants

Disc Lichen (Genus Buellia)

Disc lichens, also known as button lichens, belong to the genus Buellia. This widespread genus encompasses approximately 450 species.

Considerations for Pets

• Some disc lichens produce circular, disc-like apothecia (fruiting bodies).

Considerations for Children

• Lichens can be found on rocks and trees, potentially attracting children's curiosity.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Buellia (genus)
• Common Names: Disc lichen, button lichen
• Family: Physciaceae (for at least one species, Buellia nigra)
• Synonyms: Buelliopsis (e.g., Buelliopsis papillata is a synonym for Buellia papillata)
• Related Taxa: Badia (mentioned in context of learning about disc lichen)

Morphological Characteristics

• The "disc" in the name refers to the disc-shaped apothecia (fruiting bodies) involved in sexual reproduction. These produce fungal spores and are used in lichen identification. They can be variable in shape.
• Apothecia can be black and epruinose (lacking a powdery surface coating).
• Thallus (the main body of the lichen) can be necrotic.
• Growth forms generally shaped like a disc, usually with a rim around the edge.

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus has a widespread distribution.
• Observed on the Diamond Coast.
• Found in Chiricahua National Monument (New Mexican disc lichen).
• Observed growing on a live poplar tree.
• Some species are found on acid rock.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Mentioned in the context of reindeer lichen species.
• Grows on live poplar trees.

Ecological Role

• Re-establishment rate of reindeer lichen species following conventional disc trenching in Pinus-lichen clear-cut.

Other Notable Species

• Buellia papillata (synonym: Buelliopsis papillata)
• Buellia amphidexia
• Buellia capitis-regnum
• Buellia stillingiana (Stilling's Disc Lichen or Common Button Lichen)
• Buellia nigra (Black Disc Lichen)
• Buellia imshaugii (Imshaug's Disc Lichen)
• Buellia melanochroa

Antimicrobial Properties

• Lichen extracts were tested for antifungal activity.
• The lichen Parmelia sulcata and its salazinic acid constitu- methanol extract, from 1.28 mg/disc to 2.5 &#956g/disc.

Quirky Facts

• The text includes a reference to a "Captive Lichen Disc" which is actually a pattern from a dragonfly wing.
• "Wendy Mode DK 50g - Lichen (234) DISC." is mentioned in the context of yarn.

Further Information

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