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Washington cracked lichen
Scientific Name: Acarospora washingtonensis
Family: Acarosporaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Washington Cracked Lichen (Acarospora washingtonensis)
The Washington Cracked Lichen, scientifically known as Acarospora washingtonensis, is a lichen species found in specific regions of the United States.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- This lichen is often found on rocks, sometimes requiring the breaking of rocks to access it.
- Lichens, in general, can grow in cracks and crevices, which may be areas of interest to children and pets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Acarospora washingtonensis H. Magn.
- Common Name: Washington Cracked Lichen
- Family: Acarosporaceae
- Rank: Species
- Symbol: ACWA2
Distribution and Habitat
- This lichen has been observed in Washington state, including the Cascade Mountains.
- It is also found on rocks in areas such as Spokane, Washington.
- Its habitat includes basalt rock faces and cracks.
- It is also found growing on Mt. Washington.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- The Washington Cracked Lichen has a lichenous growth habit.
- Its thallus can be smooth to cracked.
- It can appear areolate, meaning cracked into numerous angular sections resembling a dried lake bed.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Lichens, in general, are a symbiotic association of an algal and a fungal species.
- Moss can grow in the same cracks where lichens are found.
- Lichens can be invasive and damage stone structures.
Further Information
- Additional information can be found in the Encyclopedia of Life and the U.S. National Herbarium, Smithsonian Institution.
- The USDA also holds related resources.