Usnea strigosa

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

Bushy beard lichen
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Fungi
Phylum:
Ascomycota
Class:
Lecanoromycetes
Order:
Lecanorales
Family:
Parmeliaceae
Genus:
Usnea
Species:
U. strigosa
Binomial name
Usnea strigosa

Distribution

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

Description

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

Taxonomy

U. strigosa has three recognized subspecies, major, rubiginea, and strigosa. There are also several chemotypes, bringing the current taxonomy into doubt.[1][3][4]

Ecology

U. 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
  1. "CNALH - Usnea strigosa". http://lichenportal.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxauthid=1&taxon=54697&cl=1191 (accessed 10 Jan, 2015).
  2. "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),


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