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Calopadia puiggarii

Calopadia puiggarii, also known as Puiggar's Calopadia Lichen, is a species of lichenized fungus. This lichen is part of the broader Calopadia genus, commonly referred to as calopadia lichen.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calopadia puiggarii (Müll. Arg.) V?zda
• Rank: Species
• Family: Ectolechiaceae / Pilocarpaceae (The text lists both families.)
• Group: Lichen
• Synonyms: The text implies Calopadia fusca is related but its taxonomic status is described in the text as "Accepted Related" which is too ambiguous to be called a synonym.

Distribution and Habitat

• The lichen has been found in the Netherlands Antilles (Saba), Singapore, Venezuela, Christmas Island, the Australian Oceanic Island Territories, and Costa Rica.
• Specific locations mentioned include the Everglades National Park and Lake Wales Ridge State Forest in Florida, USA.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Calopadia species are described as corticolous crustose lichens, often found growing on leaves (foliicolous).
• They contain a chlorococcoid alga as a symbiont, enabling them to grow in nutrient-poor environments.
• Some Calopadia species exhibit clavate shapes.

Ecological Role

• Lichens, including Calopadia, are fungi with internal symbionts capable of photosynthesis, allowing them to thrive in environments where other organisms cannot.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga. The alga provides food through photosynthesis, and the fungus provides structure and protection.

Further Information

• Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
• ABRS (Australian Biological Resources Study) - for information on lichens of Christmas Island and the Australian Oceanic Island Territories.