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cracked lichen

Scientific Name: Acarospora tenebrica

Family: Acarosporaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cracked Lichen (Acarospora spp.)

The term "cracked lichen" is commonly used to describe various species within the genus Acarospora. These lichens are often described as resembling cobblestone roads or cracked paint due to the unique appearance of their thallus (body).

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions that lichens can contribute to the breakdown of rocks. This suggests they may have abrasive qualities.

Considerations for Children

  • The text mentions that lichens can contribute to the breakdown of rocks. This suggests they may have abrasive qualities.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acarospora (various species)
  • Common Name(s): Cracked Lichen, Cobblestone Lichen
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Phylum: Ascomycota
  • Class: Lecanoromycetes
  • Order: Agyriales
  • Family: Acarosporaceae
  • Genus: Acarospora
  • Examples of Species Mentioned: Acarospora hilaris, Acarospora schleicheri (Schleicher's Cracked Lichen), Acarospora aeruginosa, Acarospora arenosa, Acarospora gallica, Acarospora impressula, Acarospora nodulosa, Acarospora socialis, Acarospora badiofusca

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cracked lichens are found in various locations, including the Rocky Mountains and Planalto das Cezaredas, Portugal.
  • They often grow on rocks, such as granite and sandstone, and even on old wood.

Morphological Characteristics

  • The thallus (lichen body) is typically crustose, forming a continuous crust that cracks during growth, creating a "cracked-areolate" appearance.
  • The thallus may start as separate lumps that grow together to form a continuous cracked surface.
  • Some species, like Buellia subalbula, have a white, cracked thallus that appears frosted.
  • Some Cracked lichens have bright yellow areoles, and the apothecia are small, darker and immersed in the areoles.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Lichens, including cracked lichens, contribute to the breakdown of rocks.
  • They can grow alongside moss and fungi on surfaces like wood.

Resources and Further Information

  • plants.usda.gov
  • HortHub.com
  • Mushroom Observer (mushroomobserver.org)
  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist