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dust lichen
Scientific Name: Chrysothrix candelaris
Family: Chrysotrichaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Dust Lichen
The term "dust lichen" refers to lichens belonging to either the genus Chrysothrix or Lepraria. These lichens are often characterized by a powdery or dusty appearance.
Considerations for Pets
- These lichens are crustose, meaning they form a crust-like layer.
- Some varieties are fuzzy/dusty in appearance.
- Dust lichens typically grow on tree bark, rocks, and mosses, which may be accessible to pets outdoors.
Considerations for Children
- These lichens are crustose, meaning they form a crust-like layer.
- Some varieties are fuzzy/dusty in appearance.
- Dust lichens typically grow on tree bark, rocks, and mosses.
Scientific Names and Common Names
- Scientific Names: Chrysothrix, Lepraria, Lepraria incana, Lepraria lobificans, Chrysothrix candelaris, Chrysothrix chlorina (synonym: Lepraria chlorina)
- Common Names: Dust Lichen, Fluffy Dust Lichen, Mustard Powder Lichen, Gold Dust Lichen, Maple Dust Lichen, Sulphur Dust Lichen
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota (Sac Fungi)
- Class: Lecanoromycetes
- Order: Lecanorales
- Family: Stereocaulaceae, Chrysotrichaceae
- Genera: Chrysothrix, Lepraria
- Synonyms: Lepraria chlorina (synonym for Chrysothrix chlorina)
Distribution and Habitat
- Dust lichens are found in various locations, including California, Eagle Lake in Morehead, Kentucky, Washington Co. and Charles Co. Maryland, Germany, Northern Greece and Central Italy, Pacific Northwest, and Waterloo.
- They commonly grow on tree bark, shaded rocks, mosses, and in deciduous forests.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Dust lichens are sterile crustose lichens, often appearing as a layer of dust on the substrate.
- They reproduce asexually through soredia and isidia.
- Colors range from yellowish-green to pale green, bright green to yellow-green to sulphur yellow, blue-grey to greenish.
- Some species form a thick, fluffy crust.
Quirky Facts
- Lepraria finkii and Lepraria lobificans are tolerant of moderate to high levels of pollution and can be used as pollution indicators.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- They are epiphytic and can be found growing on evergreen trees like Douglas Fir.
Resources and Further Information
- Field Guide to California Lichens, Stephen Sharnoff, Yale University Press, 2014.
- Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
- Wikimedia Commons