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pitted lichen

Scientific Name: Cavernularia

Family: Parmeliaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

About Pitted Lichen

This page provides information about various lichens, particularly those described as "pitted." Lichens are composite organisms, a symbiotic partnership between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium.

Considerations for Pets

  • Lichens can sometimes grow on garden ornaments like statues, so inspect these items regularly.

Considerations for Children

  • Some descriptions refer to "pitted" surfaces, which might be interesting for children to explore but should be observed under supervision due to potential surface textures and unknown factors.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Mentions *Cavernularia lophyrea* (Ach.) Degel.
  • Common Names: Pitted Lichen, Pitted Stone Lichen, Hulten's Pitted Lichen, Pitted Beard Lichen, Cavern Beard Lichen

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Parmeliaceae (for *Cavernularia lophyrea* and listed genera)
  • Kingdom: Fungi (Lichens are associated within this text, encompassing Fungi, Sac Fungi, including Mushrooms, lichens, gel fungi, yeasts, and molds also called eukaryotes)
  • Phylum: Ascomycota
  • Note: Mentions "Genera of Parmeliaceae" suggesting a broader taxonomic context.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found on rocks, including limestone.
  • Observed in locations like Wartburg, Tennessee, and Smoky Mountain Views (Horse Cove Campground).
  • Mention of "coastal environment" and "boreal forest of northern" regions.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Described as "pitted," referring to depressions or small cavities.
  • Can be white with black dots.
  • Some lichens are crustose and lemon-yellow in color, growing on cliffs.
  • Mention of "ridged" lichen surfaces, and "roughly pitted" surfaces.
  • Described as "shrub-like" and "stringy."
  • Some form "hyperkeratotic pitted plaques."
  • Observed on nails with pitting.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Ungulates (hoofed animals) forage on stringy and shrub-like lichens.

Quirky Facts

  • Vitricolous lichens are those that grow on glass.
  • The strongly ridged and pitted lichen surface is said to resemble.
  • The reproductive spore-bearing portion of pitted stone lichen, tiny flask shaped "perithecia", are sunken into depressions in the limestone.

Further Information

  • iNaturalist.org
  • uBio