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disc lichen

Scientific Name: Buellia halonia

Family: Physciaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Disc Lichens (Genus Buellia)

Lichens in the genus Buellia are commonly known as disc lichens or button lichens. This genus is widespread and includes approximately 450 species.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some disc lichens produce apothecia which are disc or cup-shaped fruiting bodies involved in sexual reproduction in lichens.
  • Lichens contain secondary metabolites, which are extractable using solvents and may have biological activity.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Buellia De Not.
  • Common Names: Disc Lichens, Button Lichens
  • Family: Physciaceae (in the case of Buellia nigra, Black Disc Lichen)
  • Synonyms: Buelliopsis (in the case of Buellia papillata)
  • Rank: Genus

Distribution and Habitat

  • The genus has a widespread distribution.
  • Examples of specific locations mentioned include Howard Co. for Stilling's Disc Lichen (Buellia stillingiana) and Chiricahua National Monument for New Mexican disc lichen.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The thallus (main body) can be necrotic and may form a thalline veil.
  • Discs (apothecia) are often black and epruinose (lacking a powdery surface covering).
  • Apothecia are variable in shape but commonly disc- or saucer-shaped.
  • Some species have apothecia that are yellow and disc-shaped.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text mentions the re-establishment of reindeer lichen species in Pinus-lichen clear-cut areas.
  • Lichens can grow on live trees, such as poplar.

Antimicrobial Activity

  • Some lichen extracts have potential antifungal effects as demonstrated by disc diffusion assays.

Further Information

  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist is a referenced data source.
  • British Lichen Society - BLS Lichen Database is mentioned.