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canoparmelia lichen

Scientific Name: Canoparmelia

Family: Parmeliaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Canoparmelia Lichen

The Canoparmelia genus encompasses various species of lichenized fungi. This content provides information gathered from various sources regarding different species within this genus.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Canoparmelia Elix & Hale
  • Family: Parmeliaceae
  • Rank: Genus
  • Synonyms:
    • Parmelia Ach. s. lat. (as the genus Canoparmelia is a segregate of this)
    • Paraparmelia alabamensis (Hale & McCull.) Elix & Johnston (for Canoparmelia alabamensis)
    • Parmelia alabamensis Hale & McCull. (for Canoparmelia alabamensis)
    • Pseudoparmelia caroliniana (Possible synonym for Canoparmelia caroliniana)

Common Names

  • Texan Canoparmelia Lichen (for Canoparmelia texana)
  • Carolina Canoparmelia Lichen, Carolina Shield Lichen (for Canoparmelia caroliniana)
  • Rarotonga Parmelia-Lichen

Distribution and Habitat

  • Species of Canoparmelia are widely distributed, especially in southeastern regions.
  • Canoparmelia texana is found in open environments.
  • Canoparmelia aptata is found in Indonesia, specifically Java.
  • Canoparmelia caroliniana is native to Cook Islands (Rarotonga).

Morphological Characteristics

  • Thallus: Foliose, roughly circular in shape, lobate, sometimes with overlapping lobes (imbricate).
  • Lobes: Usually somewhat irregular, but sometimes somewhat linear.
  • Canoparmelia texana is light, almost white in color, with powdery soredia and a medulla that reacts to K-.
  • Canoparmelia caroliniana has an upper surface that is finely cracked to the margin, isidiate, and a dark undersurface.

Ecological Role

  • Canoparmelia texana has been studied for its potential use as a bioindicator of environmental impact, including air pollution by radionuclides and rare earth elements, particularly in areas affected by the phosphate fertilizer industry.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Canoparmelia texana grows on the bark of trees.

Quirky Facts

  • The name Canoparmelia is derived from the Latin word "canus," meaning hoary (grayish-white or aged), which potentially alludes to the appearance of some species.

Further Information

  • Information on Canoparmelia texana and its distribution can be found in "Lichens of North America" (211-212).
  • The Ohio Moss and Lichen provides photos of various Canoparmelia species.
  • The GSMNP lichen herbarium contains specimens of Rimelia, Canoparmelia, and Canomaculina.