Lecanora

Lecanora is a large genus of crustose lichens, belonging to the family Lecanoraceae. Lichens of the genus Lecanora are characterized by having a thallus (lichen body) that is crustose, meaning it forms a crust-like layer tightly adhered to the substrate on which it grows. This substrate can be rock, bark, soil, or other materials.

Characteristics:

• Thallus: The thallus of Lecanora species is typically crustose and can vary in color, including shades of gray, white, yellow, brown, or green. The surface can be smooth, granular, or areolate (divided into small, island-like sections).

• Apothecia: Lecanora reproduce sexually via apothecia, which are disc-shaped fruiting bodies. These apothecia are typically lecideine, meaning they have a distinct margin that is similar in color and texture to the thallus (thaline margin). The disc itself can vary in color.

• Chemistry: Many Lecanora species contain lichen substances that can be detected through chemical spot tests. These substances are often used in identification.

• Habitat: Lecanora species are found in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from arctic-alpine environments to temperate and tropical regions. They colonize various substrates including rocks, tree bark, and soil.

Identification:

Identifying Lecanora species can be challenging due to the subtle differences between many species. Identification typically relies on a combination of morphological characteristics (thallus color and texture, apothecia shape and color), chemical spot tests, and microscopic examination of spores and other structures.

Ecology:

As lichens, Lecanora species play an important role in ecosystems. They contribute to weathering processes on rocks, provide habitat and food for invertebrates, and can act as bioindicators of air quality.

Taxonomy:

The genus Lecanora is very diverse, containing hundreds of species. The taxonomy of the genus has been subject to revisions based on morphological, chemical, and molecular data. Further research continues to refine the classification of species within Lecanora.