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chaenothecopsis lichen

Scientific Name: Chaenothecopsis consociata

Family: Mycocaliciaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Chaenothecopsis: A Genus of Lichenicolous Fungi

Chaenothecopsis is a genus of fungi, many species of which are lichenicolous, meaning they live as parasites or commensals on lichens. Some species also grow on free-living algae. These fungi are characterized by their stalked structure (capitulum).

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chaenothecopsis Vain.
  • Rank: Genus
  • Family: Not specified in the text.
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Synonyms: Calicium debile (for Chaenothecopsis debilis)
  • Well-known species include Chaenothecopsis pusilla, Chaenothecopsis debilis, Chaenothecopsis rubescens, and others.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in diverse geographic locations, including the Greater Sonoran Desert Region, Colombia (Huila), Norway, China (Yunnan), Tasmania and North America.
  • Species such as Chaenothecopsis nigripunctata are found in the Pacific Northwest.
  • They often inhabit old-growth forests, growing on wood of trees such as Thuja and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla).

Ecological Role

  • Many Chaenothecopsis species are parasitic or commensal on lichens, or they grow on free-living algae.
  • Chaenothecopsis nigripunctata grows on exudate and wetwood of western hemlock, often in damaged areas.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Chaenothecopsis is characterized by a stalked capitulum lacking a mazaedium and short asci.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Many species are lichen-parasitic.
  • Chaenothecopsis nigripunctata grows on exudate and wetwood of western hemlock.

Resources and Further Information

  • Plants.usda.gov (Plant Authority)
  • British Lichen Society
  • MushroomObserver.org
  • Te Papa Media Sales and Licensing
  • Catalogue of Life