Lichen

Peltula nr. richardsii

This lichen was observed in February 2010 growing upon the soil surface in the Deem Hills, Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

The red elipses on this soil encrusting lichen are apothecia (fruiting bodies) where the ascospores develop and are later shed. Pigments and dyes have long been extracted from lichens.

Soil Crusts in the Sonoran Desert form one of the more important components of the desert biome. Three of their most important roles are to stabilize the soil against erosion, adding organic matter to and breaking down mineral soils, and fixation of atmospheric nitrogen into forms usable by other plants. In addition many are just beautiful to look at!

Peltulaceae -- A Lichinales Fungi

More Information:

• Arizona Mycota Project
• Encyclopedia of Life
• USDA Profile
• Sharnoff Photos
• Google Images
• Google Scholar Literature Search
• Checklist of Arizona Macrofungi lists 12 additional species:
  • Peltula bolanderi (Tuck.) Wetmore Google Search
  • Peltula clavata (Kremp.) Wetmore Google Search
  • Peltula euploca (Ach.) Poelt ex Ozenda & Clauzade Google Search
  • Peltula farinosa Budel Google Search
  • Peltula michoacanensis (B. de Lesd.) Wetmore Google Search
  • Peltula obscurans Google Search
  • Peltula omphaliza (Nyl.) Wetmore Google Search
  • Peltula patellata (Bagl.) Swinscow & Krog Google Search
  • Peltula placodizans (Zahlbr.) Wetmore Google Search
  • Peltula psammophila (Nyl.) Egea Google Search
  • Peltula tortuosa (Nees) Wetmore Google Search
  • Peltula zahlbruckneri (Hasse) Wetmore Google Search