SafePlants

Disc Lichen (Genus Buellia)

Lichens in the genus Buellia are commonly referred to as disc lichens or button lichens.

Considerations for Pets

• This lichen has a disc or cup-shaped fruiting body.

Considerations for Children

• This lichen has a disc or cup-shaped fruiting body.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Buellia De Not.
• Common Names: Disc lichen, Button lichen
• Family: Physciaceae (implied from Buellia nigra description)
• Group: Lichen
• Symbol: BUELL
• Synonyms: Buelliopsis (in reference to Buellia papillata)

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus has a widespread distribution.
• Observed on the Diamond Coast (South Africa) in 2012.
• Found in Chiricahua National Monument.

Morphological Characteristics

• Characterized by a necrotic thalline material (thalline veil).
• Discs are typically black and epruinose (lacking a powdery surface coating).
• Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are variable in shape but commonly disc- or saucer-shaped.
• Some species have yellow, disc-shaped apothecia.

Species Examples

• Buellia amphidexia Imshaug ex R.C. Harris
• Buellia capitis-regnum W.A. Weber
• Buellia papillata (also known as Buelliopsis papillata)
• Buellia stillingiana (Synonym: Common Button Lichen, Stilling's Disc Lichen)
• Buellia nigra (Black Disc Lichen)
• Buellia halonia
• Buellia melanochroa

Traditional/Ethnobotanical Uses

• Extracts have been tested for in vitro antimicrobial and antifungal activity.
• Used in studies for the treatment of erosive oral lichen planus.

Quirky Facts

• The Downs lichen trail was funded by the British Lichen Society and the Bristol Naturalists' Society.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Found growing on a live poplar tree alongside Lecanora species.
• Reindeer lichen species are impacted by disc trenching and soil preparation in clear-cut areas.

Further Information

• Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
• LSID JSON / WMS / RDF data links
• ordabok.is: Icelandic dictionaries