SafePlants

Canoparmelia Lichen: An Overview

The genus Canoparmelia encompasses a group of lichenized fungi. Several species within this genus, such as Canoparmelia texana and Canoparmelia caroliniana, have been the subject of various studies, including their potential as bioindicators of environmental pollution.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Canoparmelia Elix & Hale
• Family: Parmeliaceae
• Phylum: Lichens
• Class: Lecanoromycetes
• Order: Lecanorales
• Taxonomic Status: Provisionally accepted

Nomenclature and Synonyms

• Canoparmelia was first described in 1986 by Elix & Hale (Mycotaxon 27: 277). The name derives from the Latin "canus," meaning hoary.
• Synonyms for some species exist. For example, Canoparmelia alabamensis is also known as Paraparmelia alabamensis and Parmelia alabamensis.
• Canoparmelia caroliniana may also be referred to as Pseudoparmelia caroliniana (Possible ID).

Common Names

• Several species have common names, including:
  • Canoparmelia texana: Texan Canoparmelia Lichen
  • Canoparmelia caroliniana: Carolina Canoparmelia Lichen, Carolina Shield Lichen
  • Canoparmelia (Rarotonga): Rarotonga Parmelia-Lichen

Distribution and Habitat

• Canoparmelia is a widespread genus containing about 40 species.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Texas (for Canoparmelia texana)
  • Cook Islands (Rarotonga) for Canoparmelia (Rarotonga)
  • Big Bend National Park (sighting of Canoparmelia texana)
  • Greater Sonoran Desert
  • Indonesia, Java (Canoparmelia aptata)
• Canoparmelia texana has a wide distribution in open areas.

Morphological Characteristics

• Canoparmelia species are foliose lichens, meaning they have a leafy, lobed structure.
• The thallus (lichen body) is typically circular in outline and lobate.
• Lobes are usually subirregular, but sometimes sublinear. They can also be imbricate (overlapping).
• Canoparmelia texana has a light, almost white color and powdery soredia.
• Canoparmelia caroliniana has an upper surface that is finely cracked to the margin and isidiate, with a dark undersurface.

Ecological Role

• Several studies focus on the use of Canoparmelia texana as a bioindicator of environmental pollution, including air pollution by radionuclides and rare earth elements (REEs), and the impact of the phosphate fertilizer industry.
• Canoparmelia texana is an epiphytic lichen, meaning it grows on the bark of trees.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name Canoparmelia comes from the Latin word "canus," which means "hoary," evoking a sense of agedness or a greyish appearance.

Further Information

• Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora
• Australian Plant Names Index
• Ohio Moss and Lichen
• Lichens of North America. Yale University Press, New Haven.
• Molecular Data Confirm Morphological Variability in the Widespread Foliose Lichen Canoparmelia carolinana (Parmeliaceae)
• Notes on Species of the Lichen Genus Canoparmelia Elix & Hale in South Korea.