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disc lichen

Scientific Name: Buellia melanochroa

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 quite diverse, encompassing around 450 species and exhibiting a widespread distribution.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Buellia De Not.
  • Common Names: Disc lichen, Button lichen, Black Disc Lichen, Common Button Lichen
  • Family: Physciaceae (mentioned in relation to Buellia nigra)
  • Synonyms: Buelliopsis papillata (for Buellia papillata)
  • Symbol: BUELL
  • Group: Lichen

Distribution and Habitat

  • The genus has a widespread distribution.
  • Specific locations mentioned include: Diamond Coast, Chiricahua National Monument, Howard Co., South Glenmore Park, England (as per the British Lichen Society - BLS Lichen Database)

Morphological Characteristics

  • Disc-shaped apothecia (fruiting bodies) are a defining characteristic, often described as black and epruinose (lacking a powdery surface coating).
  • Apothecia are variable in shape, commonly disc- or saucer-shaped.
  • Some species exhibit a necrotic thalline veil (thalline material), which can be thin and persistent.
  • Lichens in this genus can have crustose growth, attaching closely to the substrate.
  • Descriptions include terms like "yellow disk-like apothecia," "circular apothecia" and "sunken disc lichen".
  • The thallus (main body) can vary in color (e.g. orange to yellow, dirty green).

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Mention is made of reindeer lichen species and their re-establishment rate following soil preparation techniques in Pinus-lichen clear-cut areas.

Uses and Research

  • Extracts from lichens in acetone, methanol, and ethanol have been tested for antimicrobial activity.
  • They produce fungal spores which are used in identification of lichens.
  • Some research explores the use of buccal adhesive discs containing triamcinolone acetonide for the treatment of erosive oral lichen planus.

Resources

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