The BioFiles - Bill Hubick

    Bushy Beard Lichen (Usnea strigosa)

    Source: Wikipedia

    Bushy beard lichen
    Scientific classification Edit this classification
    Domain: Eukaryota
    Kingdom: Fungi
    Division: Ascomycota
    Class: Lecanoromycetes
    Order: Lecanorales
    Family: Parmeliaceae
    Genus: Usnea
    Species:
    U. strigosa
    Binomial name
    Usnea strigosa
    (Ach.) Pers. (1827)
    Synonyms
    • Usnea florida var. strigosa Ach. (1803)

    Usnea strigosa, commonly known as bushy beard lichen, is a fruticose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae.

    Distribution

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    Usnea strigosa has worldwide distribution. It is a common tree lichen in Eastern and Southeastern North America.[1][2]

    Description

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    This lichen is fruticose with 2 to 5 cm long branches and abundant terminal apothecia about 5 mm wide.[1]

    Taxonomy

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    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

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    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

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    1. ^ a b c "CNALH - Usnea strigosa". http://lichenportal.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxauthid=1&taxon=54697&cl=1191 (accessed 10 Jan, 2015).
    2. ^ a b "Lichens USGA -- identification Guide -- Discover Life".http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?guide=Lichens_USGA (accessed 10 Jan, 2015).
    3. ^ "ITIS Standard Report page - Usnea strigosa". https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=190835 (accessed 10 Jan, 2015).
    4. ^ "Strigose Beard Lichen (Usnea strigosa)". http://eol.org/pages/2858846/overview (accessed 10 Jan, 2015),