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candelina lichen

Scientific Name: Candelina

Family: Candelariaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Candelina submexicana

Candelina submexicana, commonly known as candelina lichen, is a lichenized fungus. Other species within the Candelina genus include Candelina mexicana and Candelina africana.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Candelina submexicana (B. de Lesd.) Poelt
  • Common Name: Candelina Lichen, Mexican candelina lichen
  • Synonyms:
    • Caloplaca submexicana (B. de Lesd.) Zahlbr.
    • Caloplacopsis submexicana (B. de Lesd.) B. de Lesd.
    • Placodium mexicanum de Lesd. (for Candelina mexicana)
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Family: Candelariaceae
  • Genus: Candelina
  • Rank: Species
  • Division: Ascomycota

Distribution and Habitat

  • Candelina submexicana has been found in Mexico, including Baja California Sur (at 400 m elevation).
  • It has also been reported in Arizona (Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mts., Pima Co.) and Guatemala.
  • This lichen typically grows on siliceous rock outcrops in dry environments and on granitic rock.

Ecological Role

  • Candelina is a lichenized fungus, forming a symbiotic relationship with algae.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Candelina submexicana exhibits a lichenous growth habit.
  • The genus Candelina includes crustose to small squamulose forms.
  • Candelina mexicana is described as potentially being brighter in color than Candelina submexicana.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Candelariella lichenicola is a lichenicolous species that grows on Candelina.

Further Information

  • Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert Region (Nash III, T.H., Ryan, B.D., Gries, C., and Bungartz, F. (eds.))
  • Discover Life: Point Map of Candelina submexicana
  • USDA Plants Database
  • Arizona State University Lichen Collection
  • Michigan State University Herbarium Lichens
  • Louisiana State University Herbarium Lichen Collection