SafePlants

Buellia immersa: The Water Disc Lichen

Dive into the fascinating world of Buellia immersa, commonly known as the Water Disc Lichen! This unique organism showcases the incredible adaptations found in the lichen kingdom.

Considerations for Pets

• Lichens, including Buellia immersa, absorb water and nutrients from the atmosphere, potentially accumulating substances from their environment.

Considerations for Children

• Lichens, including Buellia immersa, absorb water and nutrients from the atmosphere, potentially accumulating substances from their environment.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Buellia immersa
• Common Name: Water Disc Lichen
• Symbol: BUIM
• Group: Lichen
• Family: Physciaceae (mentioned in relation to other Buellia species)

Distribution and Habitat

• Buellia immersa can be found on underwater rocks, especially in areas where the rock surface is flushed with acidic water.
• It prefers well-lit, open habitats, often near water and/or coastal areas.

Morphological Characteristics

• Buellia immersa is a lichenous plant.
• It forms a thallus and disc-like apothecia on a foliose lichen.
• The fruiting bodies (apothecia) are typically disc-shaped.
• Some descriptions mention the apothecial margin and disc, and the presence or absence of powder (pruina).

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are a mutualistic relationship between fungi and algae.
• They can be affected by epiphytic growths.

Quirky Facts

• Lichens, including Buellia immersa, do not have roots like plants. They absorb water from the atmosphere.
• While they can tolerate salt spray and immersion in water, they are not truly aquatic.

Further Resources

• Garden Guides
• Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert Region
• TERMIUM (Government of Canada&#39s terminology and linguistic data bank)