SafePlants

Catillaria Lichen

Catillaria is a genus of crustose lichens. Several species are commonly referred to as "catillaria lichen." This name may also refer to Catillaria flavens specifically.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Catillaria
• Family: Catillariaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi (inferred)
• Synonyms: Scutula stereocaulorum (for Catillaria stereocaulorum), Catillaria subnitida (Hellbom)
• Alternative Scientific Names: Mentions Catillaria s. lat. (sensu lato - in the broad sense)

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus Catillaria has a wide distribution, including:
  • Greater Sonoran Desert
  • Dorset (Britain)
  • Great Britain and Ireland
  • India (specifically, the montane lichen vegetation)
  • Australia
  • Cape Verde
  • Turkey
  • Aegean region
  • Chile (maritime Antarctic)
• Specific habitats mentioned include:
  • Rocks
  • Trees (epiphytic)
  • Marine and maritime rocks
  • Leaves of Nestegis apetala

Morphological Characteristics

• Some species appear as tiny black dots on a dark grey or dark olivaceous, thalline background.
• The black dots, or apothecia, are very small, ranging from approximately 0.15 mm.
• Thallus is crustose, 2-5 cm in diameter in some species (e.g., Catillaria chalybeia).
• Some species are powdery white with black dots (e.g., Catillaria glauconigricans).

Ecology

• Some species of Catillaria are epiphytic, growing on trees.
• Rich lichen floras, including species of Catillaria, are associated with systematic woodlands.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Species of Catillaria and Strigula have been found growing on the leaves of Nestegis apetala.

Resources and Further Information

• Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora (Nash, T.H., Ryan, B.D., Gries, C., Bungartz, F., (eds.) 2001)
• Lichen Flora of the (Nash III, T.H., Gries, C., and Bungartz, F. (eds.))
• British Lichen Society - BLS Lichen Database
• Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual
• http://www.stridvall.se/lichens/gallery/Catillaria?page=1