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disc lichen

Scientific Name: Buellia pulverulenta

Family: Physciaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Disc Lichens (Genus Buellia)

Lichens belonging to the genus Buellia are commonly known as disc lichens or button lichens. The genus is widespread and encompasses approximately 450 species.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some disc lichens have disc-shaped apothecia, which may detach or become accessible.

Considerations for Children

  • Some disc lichens have disc-shaped apothecia, which may detach or become accessible.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Buellia De Not.
  • Common Names: Disc lichen, Button lichen, Common Button Lichen, Black Disc Lichen
  • Family: Physciaceae (for Buellia nigra)
  • Symbol: BUELL

Distribution and Habitat

  • The genus Buellia has a widespread distribution.
  • Observed on the Diamond Coast.
  • Found in Howard Co.
  • Lichens of Chiricahua National Monument, New Mexico.
  • Observed in South Glenmore Park, growing on a live poplar tree.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Characterized by disc-shaped apothecia (fruiting bodies) involved in sexual reproduction. These produce fungal spores and are used in identification.
  • The discs can be black and epruinose (lacking a powdery surface coating), or yellow and disk-like.
  • Some species have apothecia variable in shape, commonly disc- or saucer-shaped.
  • Thallus (the main body of the lichen) can be crustose, growing closely attached to the substrate.
  • May exhibit a necrotic thalline material (thalline veil).

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Studies have explored the re-establishment rate of reindeer lichen species following certain soil preparation methods in Pinus-lichen clear-cut areas.

Ecological Role

  • Lichens can grow so closely attached to the substrate that it is impossible to fully remove them.

Quirky Facts

  • Some lichens produce circular, yellow disk-like structures behind an advancing front on the thallus.

Antimicrobial Activity

  • Extracts of certain lichens have shown potential antifungal effects in disc diffusion assays.

Further Information

  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • British Lichen Society - BLS Lichen Database