Lichinaceae

Common Names

Members of the Lichinaceae family are commonly known as "seaweed lichens" due to their resemblance to marine algae and their preference for coastal habitats. Some species are also referred to as "black strap lichens" or "strap lichens" due to their characteristic growth form.

Characteristics

Lichens in the Lichinaceae family share several key characteristics:

• Thallus Morphology: Strap-shaped, often flattened and ribbon-like thalli with a distinct dark brown, reddish, or greenish-brown color.
• Habitat: Primarily found in coastal environments, exposed to salt spray and strong winds.
• Reproduction: Lichinaceae reproduce both sexually and asexually, with spores dispersed by wind and fragmentation of the thallus.
• Photosynthetic Partner: Members of this family contain green algae as their photosynthetic partner.
• Chemical Compounds: Lichinaceae produce a variety of lichen substances, including pigments and secondary metabolites that provide protection from UV radiation and herbivores.

Environments

Lichinaceae lichens are highly adapted to survive in challenging coastal environments. Their strap-shaped thalli allow them to withstand strong winds and salt spray. They are often found on rocky shores, cliffs, and marine substrates where they can access nutrients from the sea. Some species can tolerate high levels of salinity and desiccation, making them important pioneers in harsh coastal environments.

References

For more information, refer to the following sources:

• The Lichen Portal
• NCBI Taxonomy
• A Taxonomic Revision of the Lichen Genus Lichina (Lichinaceae)