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disc lichen

Scientific Name: Buellia retrovertens

Family: Physciaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Disc Lichens (Genus Buellia)

Lichens within the genus Buellia are commonly known as disc lichens or button lichens. The name "disc lichen" refers to their characteristic disc-shaped fruiting bodies, also known as apothecia, which play a role in sexual reproduction and identification.

Considerations for Pets

  • Lichens produce various secondary metabolites, some of which are extracted using solvents like acetone, methanol, and ethanol. While the context is antimicrobial activity, it is worth noting the presence of such substances.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Buellia (genus)
  • Common Names: Disc Lichen, Button Lichen, Black Disc Lichen, Common Button Lichen, Stilling's Disc Lichen, New Mexican disc lichen
  • Family: Physciaceae (for Buellia nigra)
  • Synonyms: Buelliopsis (as in Buelliopsis papillata)

Distribution and Habitat

  • The genus Buellia has a widespread distribution.
  • Observed in locations such as Howard Co. and the Diamond Coast (South Africa).
  • Found in Chiricahua National Monument (New Mexico) in the form of New Mexican disc lichen.
  • Observed on a live poplar tree in South Glenmore Park.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Disc lichens are characterized by disc-shaped apothecia (fruiting bodies).
  • Apothecia are used in the identification of lichens and produce fungal spores.
  • The "thallus," or main body of the lichen, can exhibit necrotic thalline material (thalline veil).
  • Apothecia can be black, epruinose (lacking a powdery surface), and disc-shaped.
  • Some species exhibit circular, yellow disk-like apothecia.
  • Growth habits include crustose forms, growing closely attached to the substrate.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Studies indicate that lichen extracts exhibit potential antifungal effects.
  • Reindeer lichen species are mentioned in the context of clear-cut forestry and soil preparation.

Quirky Facts

  • One entry humorously refers to a dragonfly wing pattern as resembling a "Captive Lichen Disc."
  • There's a reference to "Wendy Mode DK 50g - Lichen (234) DISC," suggesting a yarn product named after the lichen.

Further Information

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