Usnea strigosa
Appearance
Bushy beard lichen | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Fungi |
Division: | Ascomycota |
Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
Order: | Lecanorales |
Family: | Parmeliaceae |
Genus: | Usnea |
Species: | U. strigosa
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Binomial name | |
Usnea strigosa | |
Synonyms | |
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Usnea strigosa, commonly known as bushy beard lichen, is a fruticose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae.
Distribution
[edit]Usnea strigosa has worldwide distribution. It is a common tree lichen in Eastern and Southeastern North America.[1][2]
Description
[edit]This lichen is fruticose with 2 to 5 cm long branches and abundant terminal apothecia about 5 mm wide.[1]
Taxonomy
[edit]Usnea strigosa has three recognized subspecies, major, rubiginea, and strigosa. There are also several chemotypes, bringing the current taxonomy into doubt.[1][3][4]
Ecology
[edit]Usnea strigosa grows on trees. The most frequent hosts of this lichen are oak trees.[2] The photosynthetic symbionts of Usnea species are Chlorophyta green algae.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "CNALH - Usnea strigosa". http://lichenportal.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxauthid=1&taxon=54697&cl=1191 (accessed 10 Jan, 2015).
- ^ a b "Lichens USGA -- identification Guide -- Discover Life".http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?guide=Lichens_USGA (accessed 10 Jan, 2015).
- ^ "ITIS Standard Report page - Usnea strigosa". https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=190835 (accessed 10 Jan, 2015).
- ^ "Strigose Beard Lichen (Usnea strigosa)". http://eol.org/pages/2858846/overview (accessed 10 Jan, 2015),