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Byssoloma Lichen: A Botanical Overview

Byssoloma is a genus of lichenized fungi belonging to the family Pilocarpaceae. Often referred to as "byssoloma lichen" in common parlance, this group presents fascinating insights into the world of lichen taxonomy and ecology.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Byssoloma Trevis. (1853)
• Family: Pilocarpaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae (though technically fungi)
• Type Species: Byssoloma leprieurii Trevis. (1853)
• Synonyms: Mentions of various species name changes suggest complex synonymy within the genus. For example, Byssoloma meadii has synonyms including Bacidia meadii, Biatora meadii, and Bilimbia meadii. Byssoloma rotuliforme is redirected to Byssoloma subdiscordans.

Distribution and Habitat

• Byssoloma species have a wide distribution.
• Found in locations such as Sergipe, NE Brazil (Atlantic rainforest patch), Singapore, North Carolina (USA), the Indian subcontinent (Kumaun Himalaya), Netherlands Antilles (Saba), the Aegean, and Madeira.
• Some species are foliicolous, meaning they grow on leaves, particularly in rainforest environments.
• Byssoloma leucoblepharum has a distributional map available for the USA and Canada.

Morphological Characteristics

• Described as lichenous, which means it is a composite organism consisting of a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium.
• The thallus (body) of Byssoloma leucoblepharum can be 1-3 cm in diameter and continuous.
• Some species of Byssoloma have campylidia.

Ecological Role

• Byssoloma species are part of lichen communities and interact with other organisms, as evidenced by snail feeding traces observed on some lichens.

Further Information

• Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Te Papa's Collections (New Zealand)
• British Lichen Society - BLS Mapping Scheme
• Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG)
• Lichen Photo Index