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About Lecanora Lichens

Lecanora is a diverse and widespread genus of lichens, characterized by their disc-shaped fruiting bodies (apothecia). These lichens exhibit a crustose growth form, often appearing as a colorful crust on various surfaces.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Some species of Lecanora have discs that can vary in color and may be visually interesting to pets and children.
• The thallus (body) of some Lecanora lichens can be warty or granular in texture.
• The apothecia (discs) of some species may be pruinose (covered in a fine, powdery substance).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Lecanora
• Family: (Not specified in the text, but generally belongs to the Lecanoraceae family)
• Examples of Species:
  • Lecanora muralis
  • Lecanora carpinea (Synonym: Lecanora carpinea (L.) Vain.)
  • Lecanora chlarotera
  • Lecanora dispersa
  • Lecanora albella (Pers.)
  • Lecanora annularis
  • Lecanora semitensis
  • Lecanora frustulosa
  • Lecanora actophila
  • Lecanora achariana A.L.Sm. (also referred to as Protoparmeliopsis achariana)
  • Lecanora carlottiana
  • Lecanora caesiorubella ssp. merrillii
  • Lecanora rupicola
  • Lecanora simeonensis K. Knudsen & Lendemer

Morphological Characteristics

• Lecanora lichens are typically crustose, meaning they form a crust-like growth tightly adhered to the substrate.
• They often exhibit a rosette-like (placodioid) growth pattern, radiating from a center.
• The color can vary from pale cream, greenish-grey to green.
• Apothecia (Discs):
  • The apothecia are disc-shaped and vary in size (0.3-1.5 mm or more in diameter).
  • The color of the discs can range from red to blue, red-brown, yellowish-brown, dark brown, blackish-brown, or various shades of brown. They may be pruinose (covered with a powdery substance) or epruinose (without a powdery covering).
  • The margin of the disc can be the same or a different color than the disc itself (lecanorine). The margin may be crenulate (scalloped) or wavy.
  • Some species have immersed apothecia, while others have sessile (stalkless) apothecia.

Distribution and Habitat

• Lecanora species are found in various locations, including:
  • Ireland
  • New England
  • The Greater Sonoran Desert Region
  • The Channel Islands
  • Korea
  • California
  • Dorset
  • Central Europe
• They grow on a variety of substrates, including:
  • Rocks (saxicolous)
  • Tree bark (epiphytic)
  • Gravestones

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Vouauxiella lichenicola is a lichenicolous fungus that can occur on the discs of some Lecanora species.
• Lecanora species exhibit antimicrobial activity.

Quirky Facts

• One Lecanora species is known for having (16–)32-spored asci, which is unusual within the genus.
• Some species can be distinguished by examining the color of the disc after applying Potassium hydroxide (KOH), indicating a chemical reaction.

Further Information

• Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert Region
• UCR Herbarium Staff Database
• British Lichens