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pitted lichen
Scientific Name: Cavernularia lophyrea
Family: Parmeliaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Pitted Lichen: An Overview
This page provides information about various lichens, particularly those described as "pitted." Lichens are fascinating composite organisms resulting from a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium.
Scientific and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Cavernularia lophyrea
- Common Names: Pitted Lichen, Pitted Beard Lichen, Hulten's pitted lichen, Pitted Stone Lichen, Pitted Dimple Lichen
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Cavernularia
- Family: Parmeliaceae (for Hulten's pitted lichen) or Gyalectaceae (for Pitted Dimple Lichen) or Verrucaruaceae (for Pitted Stone Lichen Verrucaria calciseda)
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota (Sac Fungi)
Distribution and Habitat
- Mentioned locations include Wartburg, Tennessee, and the boreal forest of northern regions.
- Habitats range from rock surfaces (including limestone, glass, and coastal environments) to association with trees in forests.
- Some species are vitricolous, growing on glass.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Described as lichenous, crustose, or shrub-like.
- Characterized by a "pitted" surface, often with depressions or cavities.
- Colors range from white with black dots to lemon-yellow.
- Some may have a strongly ridged surface.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Ungulates may forage on stringy and shrub-like lichens.
- Lichens are symbiotic, involving fungi and algae.
Resources and Further Information
- iNaturalist.org is mentioned as a resource for classification.
- uBio is referenced for information about names.