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disc lichen

Scientific Name: Buellia mamillana

Family: Physciaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Disc Lichen (Buellia spp. and others)

The term "disc lichen" or "button lichen" refers to lichens within the genus Buellia and other genera, characterized by their disc-shaped fruiting bodies (apothecia).

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Some disc lichens produce secondary metabolites, which, while studied for antimicrobial activity, could be a consideration if ingested.
  • The thallus may have a necrotic thalline veil.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Buellia spp. (and potentially other genera like Acarospora, Aspicilia, Badia, etc. based on common name usage)
  • Common Names: Disc lichen, Button lichen, Black Disc Lichen, Stilling's Disc Lichen, Common Button Lichen, Rock Disk Lichen, New Mexican disc lichen, Bluish Ash Grey Sunken Disc Lichen, Kola disk lichen
  • Family: Physciaceae (for Buellia nigra). Megasporaceae (for at least one type of "sunken disc lichen")
  • Synonyms: Buelliopsis papillata (for Buellia papillata)

Distribution and Habitat

  • The genus Buellia has a widespread distribution.
  • Observed in locations such as Howard Co., Diamond Coast, Chiricahua National Monument, South Glenmore Park, and England.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Characterized by disc-shaped apothecia involved in sexual reproduction. The disc can be black, epruinose (lacking a powdery surface coating), and may be yellow.
  • Thallus can be crustose, growing closely attached to the substrate.
  • Apothecia can be variable in shape (disc- or saucer-shaped) and color.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Reindeer lichen species are impacted by forestry practices such as disc trenching.
  • Can grow on live poplar trees, sometimes alongside other lichen species like Lecanora.
  • Some lichens are sensitive to nutrient levels in their environment.

Quirky Facts

  • The Downs features a lichen trail funded by the British Lichen Society, Bristol Naturalists' Society, highlighting lichens growing on branches.
  • There is a "Captive Lichen Disc" pattern inspired by a dragonfly wing.
  • Extracts from disc lichens are used in disc diffusion assays to test antifungal activity.

Further Information

  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • British Lichen Society - BLS Lichen Database
  • ordabok.is (Icelandic dictionary)