SafePlants

Black Disc Lichen

Lichens are composite organisms resulting from a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. The Black Disc Lichen, as its name suggests, is characterized by its distinctive black, disc-shaped fruiting bodies.

Considerations for Pets

• Lichens may have a tough or crusty texture, and their thallus (body) can be foliose (leaf-like). These physical characteristics, while not inherently dangerous, could be a point of interest for curious pets.

Considerations for Children

• The small, disc-shaped fruiting bodies of lichens might attract children's attention.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Buellia nigra (Fink) Sheard
• Common Name: Black Disc Lichen
• Family: Physciaceae
• Kingdom: Not Explicitly Stated
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Older synonym - Lecanora atra

Distribution and Habitat

• The provided text references the Black Disc Lichen's presence in various locations, including Diamond Coast (South Africa), Stofbergsfontein (South Africa), and Black Canyon National Park (New Mexico). It is also found on churchyards.

Morphological Characteristics

• Thallus: Crustose, rimose to rimose-areolate, thin to moderately thickened.
• Apothecia: Disc-shaped, black, and often densely white-grey-pruinose. The disc can be dark brown to black, flat to convex, giving the appearance of black buttons. They are sessile.
• The lobes can be grey above and white to black beneath, sometimes with isidia on the surface.
• Fruiting bodies are described as small and disc-shaped, similar to cup-fungi, but solitary and black.

Quirky Facts

• The Black Disc Lichen's fruiting bodies resemble black buttons.
• It is commonly found in churchyards, which are described as good places for lichens.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions the Black Disc Lichen's symbiotic relationship with algae or cyanobacteria, forming a composite organism.

Further Information

• Botanical Society of South Africa
• British Lichen Society