SafePlants

Elegant Disc Lichen

Explore the fascinating world of the Elegant Disc Lichen, a unique organism found in various environments. This page provides detailed information about its classification, characteristics, and ecological role.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• As a lichen, it is generally found on rocks and other outdoor surfaces, so exposure is likely limited unless these items are brought indoors.
• The text describes the presence of discs in some lichens, which could potentially be a choking hazard for small children or pets if detached and ingested.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Buellia elegans Poelt
• Common Name: Elegant Disc Lichen
• Synonym: Xanthoria elegans (Elegant Sunburst Lichen)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Rank: Species
• Group: Lichen
• Family: Physciaceae (implied via related species)

Distribution and Habitat

• Mentioned as being found in the San Rafael Swell, Utah, United States.
• Also found on rock in the Yukon Territory.
• Observed in Upper Teesdale (UK).
• Found on stone walls.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Growth Habit: Lichenous
• Described as having flat and dull brown discs.
• Sometimes the disk is surrounded with a red ring.
• Thallus of Xanthoria elegans is bright orange.
• The apothecia (fruiting bodies) of some lichens are disc-shaped.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are symbiotic associations between fungi and algae (green algae).

Quirky Facts

• The text mentions someone making a dress out of compact discs (CDs). While not directly about the lichen, it is a quirky tangent related to the "disc" aspect of the name.

Further Information

• Stephen Sharnoff's Lichen Photos (mentioned in the text).