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carbonea lichen

Scientific Name: Carbonea vorticosa

Family: Lecanoraceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Carbonea: A Genus of Lichenized Fungi

Carbonea is a genus of fungi within the family Lecanoraceae. These lichens are known for often growing on other lichens.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carbonea (Hertel) Hertel
  • Common Name: Carbonea lichen
  • Family: Lecanoraceae
  • Phylum: Lichens
  • Class: Lecanoromycetes
  • Order: Lecanorales
  • Rank: Genus
  • Synonyms: Mentions Carbonea austrocalifornica being placed in synonymy with Carbonea latypizodes, Lecidea vitellinaria and Nesolechia vitellinaria are synonyms for Carbonea vitellinaria, and the lichen commonly called Carbonea intrusa is recognized as belonging to Scoliciosporum.

Distribution and Habitat

  • The Carbonea genus is widespread.
  • Specific locations mentioned include: Greater Sonoran Desert, Aegean (Greece), Turkey, Japan, Heard Island and Crimea

Ecology

  • Many species of Carbonea grow on other lichens, acting as parasites or symbionts. For example, Carbonea vitellinaria parasitizes Candelariella vitellina and Lecanora.
  • Carbonea vorticosa has been found as a parasymbiont.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Carbonea capsulata is described as an epilithic lichen species, meaning it grows on rock surfaces.

Quirky Facts

  • Some species of Carbonea can darken the color of the lichens they parasitize.

Resources and Further Information

  • USDA, NRCS Distributional map for Carbonea
  • Greater Sonoran Desert Lichen Flora