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cracked lichen
Scientific Name: Acarospora thamnina
Family: Acarosporaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Cracked Lichen (Various Species)
The term "Cracked Lichen" refers to a group of lichens, rather than a single species. They are often described as resembling cobblestone roads or cracked paint.
Considerations for Children
- The thallus (body) of some cracked lichens can develop a cracked surface during growth.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Common Names: Cobblestone lichen, Cracked lichen
- Scientific Name Examples: Acarospora hilaris, Acarospora schleicheri, Acarospora aeruginosa, Acarospora arenosa, Acarospora gallica, Acarospora impressula, Acarospora nodulosa, Acarospora socialis, Acarospora badiofusca
- Family: Acarosporaceae (for Acarospora species), Parmeliaceae (for Cracked Ruffle Lichen)
- Kingdom: Fungi (for Acarospora schleicheri)
- Phylum: Ascomycota (for Acarospora schleicheri)
- Class: Lecanoromycetes (for Acarospora schleicheri)
- Order: Agyriales (for Acarospora schleicheri)
Distribution and Habitat
- Narcotic lichen grows in desolate parts of the Rockies.
- Schleicher's Cracked Lichen is found in the Rocky Mountains.
Morphological Characteristics
- A continuous crust may crack during growth, forming a cracked-areolate thallus.
- The lichen thallus initially consists of separate lumps that may merge, creating a continuous cracked surface.
- Buellia subalbula, a species of lichen, has a white, cracked thallus that appears slightly frosted.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Lichens contribute to the breakdown of rocks over time.
Further Information
- plants.usda.gov
- HortHub.com
- Mushroom Observer (mushroomobserver.org)
- Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist