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disc lichen
Scientific Name: Buellia epigaea
Family: Physciaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Disc Lichens (Genus Buellia)
Disc lichens, also known as button lichens, belong to the genus Buellia. This genus is widespread, encompassing approximately 450 species.
Considerations for Pets
- Some disc lichens contain necrotic thalline material (thalline veil).
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Buellia (Genus)
- Common Names: Disc lichen, button lichen, Black Disc Lichen, Common Button Lichen
- Family: Physciaceae (for Buellia nigra)
- Synonyms: Buelliopsis papillata (for Buellia papillata)
Distribution and Habitat
The genus Buellia has a widespread distribution. Specific examples include:
- Diamond Coast, South Africa (Black-disc lichen)
- Chiricahua National Monument (New Mexican disc lichen)
- Howard County (Stilling's Disc Lichen/Common Button Lichen)
- South Glenmore Park (growing on a live poplar tree)
- England (Gray-green disc lichen)
Morphological Characteristics
- Disc-shaped apothecia (fruiting bodies) involved in sexual reproduction. These produce fungal spores and are used in lichen identification.
- Apothecia can be disc- or saucer-shaped.
- Some species have circular, yellow disk-like structures behind the advancing front of the lichen.
- Thallus: The main body of the lichen.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Found growing on live poplar trees alongside other lichens such as Lecanora species.
Quirky Facts
- The Downs lichen trail was funded by the British Lichen Society, the Bristol Naturalists' Society, and another disc on the smaller branches.
- One source mentions a "Captive Lichen Disc" that is actually a pattern from a dragonfly wing.
Resources and Further Information
- Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
- British Lichen Society - BLS Lichen Database