Common Lichens of the Estero Bay Area - Elfin Forest

Common Lichensof theEstero Bay AreaLisa AndreanoFunded by a grant from the Morro Bay National Estuary

only near bird nests in the riparian areas, or along exposed coastal sandstonejust above the splash zone. Other lichens are generalists, growing on a variety ofsubstrates in a variety of habitats. Also, lichen associations often form lichenseral and climax communities much in the same way that plant associationsform plant communities. These communities are not well studied, and, as such,are not commonly described. Generally, lichens are described according to theplant communities that they are found in.Most lichens spread by vegetative fragmentation. In some cases thefragmentation occurs when the acids in the lichens eventually breakdown therock, the rock breaks off and tumbles downslope, and a new colony formswherever the falling debris settle. Other means of fragmentation occur whenbird or small mammal harvests lichens for nesting material. Locally,hummingbirds and bushtits often use lichens in building their intricately wovennests. Other dispersal mechanisms involve the production of spores. Somespecies of lichens produce soredia, small clusters of algal cells surrounded byfungal threads, which arise from below the surface of the thallus. Other lichenspecies produce isidia which arise from the surface of the thallus as outgrowthsand function in the same manner as soredia. Other lichens reproduce sexuallyforming spores, which, when germinated, must find the proper algal componentin order to form the lichen species.Lichens play an important ecological role. They contain acids which canbreak down rock. This process is called primary succession. They can also form“seed beds” for mosses, ferns and fern allies, and angiosperms, by decomposingthe bedrock and catching leaf litter form other species. Many lichens containcyanobacteria as the photobiont (photosynthesizing component), which canplay an important role in nitrogen fixation. Lichens also providenesting/burrow materials for many bird species and small mammals, forage forherbivores, and in some cases, stabilize soils.LichenRabbit ScatCotyledons5

disturbances such as fire, foot traffic, development, etc. depends on suitablehabitat re-establishment and proximity to available “source” populations.Types of LichensThe following are examples of the three basic types of lichen groups: crustose,foliolose, fruticose. Specialized morphological features necessary tounderstanding these grouping are included and photographic examples areprovided.Crustose - Thallus forms a crust over substrateFoliolose - Thallus is leaf-like in habit and physiogamyFruticose - Thallus is bunching, tuft forming, or shrub-like7

Morphological featuresApothecia - Ascocarp, a spore producing fungal structure, usually cup-shaped.www.earthlife.netCilia - Hair or thread like projections on the thallusFibrils - Round, thick appendages that project from the thallusIsidia - Asexual reproductive structures. Outgrowths on the surface; containthe photobiont. Has a cortex.8

internt.nhm.ac.ukLobules - lobes which grow on the edges of the thallus (on foliolose lichens).They are flat and break off from the thallus and are distributed by wind, water,and transport by animals.mgd.nacse.orgMycobiont - Fungal component of the lichen.Perithecia - Embedded, flask-shaped ascocarp. Top lip protrudes abovethallus. Contains fungal spores.www.earthlife.netPhotobiont - Algal component responsible for photosynthesis. May be a truealgae, a cyanobacteria, or both.9

Podetia - Secondary upright thallus, often seen in Cladonia spp. Typicallyhollow and disk-like or lobed.Pycnidia - Asexual structures of fungus. Usually embedded (sometimes with aslightly mounded projection) in the thallus, flask-shaped, and appears as a blackdot. Below thallus surface. Contain conidiospores - spores produced from theend or side of special hyphal filaments called conidia.www.earthlife.netSoredia/Soralia - Asexual reproductive structures containing algal cellswrapped in fungal hyphae that burst through the surface of the thallus.Granular. No cortex.bugs.bio.usyd.edu.au10

Thallus - The “vegetative “ portion; forms the body of the lichen and is theprimary photosynthetic surface. The surface of the thallus is called the cortex.From the upper surface, reproductive structures emerge, while rhizines areformed on the lower surfacewaynesword.palomar.eduUnique Local Lichen CommunitiesThere are quite a few local lichen associations that deserve discussion.Below are examples of these associations, or lichen communities, thatare important in our area. These communities are not afforded anyformal recognition, as most people relate lichens to plant communities.However, lichenologists today are working diligently on classifyingformal lichen community names and descriptions.11

Exposed/Windswept Coastal/Island RockUndisturbed areas with exposed and windswept rock along the immediate coastor on islands. Lichens are generally tough; the majority of them are typicallycrustose. Wind, fog, moisture, salt, and sand spray are constant environmentfactors that affect lichen species in this community. Acids in the lichensdecompose the rocky substrate, often separating the top layer of rock whichappears glued to the bottom of the lichens. The windswept coastal rocks have aunique composition of lichen species. Many are only found here, along thecentral coast, and on the Channel Islands.12

Woody branches in Coastal scrub/ChaparralThe woody branches of coastal scrub and chaparral make a great substrate forlichen species. Lichens will tend to colonize the inner branches of healthylookingshrubs. As the shrubs begin to die, or senesce, they loose their leavesand their branches begin to open up to sunlight, eventually falling over to theground. With the decrease of the shrub canopy, there is an increase in availablelight for the lichens, and both lichen abundance and diversity dramatically rises.Adenostoma fasciculatum (chamise) and Ceanothus cuneatus (buck brush) seem to bethe best shrubby hosts in the local scrub and chaparral plant communities.Baywood Fine Sands Soil CrustCladonia spp. and mosses form biological crusts (cryptogametic soils) on Baywood finesands13

Carpeting the ground in the open areas in coastal scrub and chaparralcommunities on Bayood fine sands. Other habitat requirements seem to includeopen, sandy soil, leaf litter, small mammal scat, and little to no disturbance tothe surface of the ground. The lichen species, especially Cladonia spp., formdense mats with mosses. These mats act as seed beds for higher plant species,help to fix nitrogen into the soil, and also aid in soil stabilization. This lichenmossassociation is highly susceptible to disturbance, especially from foot trafficand exotic plant invasion.Rocky OutcropsRocky outcrops may occur in grasslands, coastal scrub and chaparral, andcanyons. These outcrops are not along the immediate coast, but may still beinfluenced by the ocean environment. These areas are typically dominated bycrustose lichens. The lichens on these outcrops play an important role informing suitable seed beds to support plant life. Vascular plants commonlyfound on rocky outcrops include dudleya, fern, and grass species.14

Bark Lichens in WoodlandsWoodland lichen associations are influenced by the density of the stand, canopycover, available light, moisture, and sometimes the dominate host substrate.Species may vary greatly between woodland types such as willow riparian, oakwoodland, and manzanita woodlands. Bark species along the trunk aredominated by crustose lichens, and branch or canopy species compositionincludes a fair variety of foliolose species.15

Dead WoodFence posts, old wood structures, fallen branches, and driftwood all providesuitable lichen habitat. Locally, many encrusting species of lichens colonize deadwood, and foliolose and fruticose lichens establish later.16

The Lichens17

AcarosporaCobblestone LichensAcarospora chlorophana or solstilisCOBBLESTONE LICHENHabitat: On rocks near the coast.Notes: Crustose. Locally, this genera can be seen in abundance on rockyoutcrops on coastal bluffs. Note the red, irregularly shaped, immersedapothecia. Also, note the veins of Acarospora growth in the upper left photo.This genus often speads in a liner fashion, taking advantage of crevices in therock. (EB, HC, MBSP, MDO)18

ArthoniaComma LichensArthonia sp.COMMA LICHENSHabitat: On wood in shaded areas.Notes: Small burnt orange-colored apothecia. (MBSP, MDO, EB)BryoriaHair LichensBryoria pseudo-cappillarisOLD MAN’S BEARDHabitat: On woody branches in chaparral and coastal scrub.19

Notes: Fruticose. Forms soft and wavy looking clumps, made up of the lightbrown-grey colored thallus. The species designation on this Bryoria is underdebate. The consensus classifies this as B. pseudo-cappillaris. Most commonlyfound growing on Adenostoma faciculatum and Ceanothus cuneatus. This species wasfound, in abundance, growing on Adenostoma fasciculatum (chamise) throughoutthe Morro manzanita dominated maritime chaparral community in LOOR in2005. Commonly associated lichen species include, but are not limited to: Usnearubicunda, Heterodermia leucomelaena, Hypogymnia imshugii, Parmotrema chinensis, andRamalina spp. (LOOR, MBSP, MDO)The sensitive (CNPS 1B) Bryoria spiralifera (Spiraled old-man’s beard) wasreported to be in the in a local Master’s thesis (Von Reis) but has not beenfound since. Bryoria spiralifera has a ridge spiraling around the thallus, grows ontrees and shrubs in coastal areas near sea level, and seems to require steady fog.No sexual features have ever been documented.BuelliaButton LichensBuellia haloniaSEASIDE BUTTON LICHENHabitat: On rockNotes: Crustose. Located on rocky outcrops in the bluffs, grasslands, and upsome canyons. Has raised, rounded apothecia and a dusky yellow-green-greysegmented thallus. (MDO, EB, MBSP)20

CalaplacaFiredot or Jewel LichensCalaplaca coralloidesCORAL FIREDOT LICHENHabitat: On rock in coastal areas. Found on intertidal rocks in the splash zone.Notes: Fruticose. Tufted. Often forms large colonies. Thallus branches appearsegmented. Orange to yellow-orange in color. Especially favors sandstone.(MBSP, EB, MDO).Calaplaca bolciniaWAXY FIREDOT LICHENHabitat: Rocky outcrops along coast and coastal bluffs.21

Notes: Crustose. Especially favors sandstone. Thick lobed thallus is reduced.Dark orange apothecia. Rim and thallus are light orange. (MSSB, EB. HC)Calaplaca sp.FIREDOT LICHENHabitat: Rocky outcrops and coastal bluffsNotes: Crustose. Especially favors sandstone. Sessile orange apothecia.Calaplaca leutominia looks the same but is red and has a thicker rim around theapothecia. The black dots visible on the apothecia (lower right photo) are calledlichen ecoles. They are a type of fungus that parasitizes lichens. Notice thegray/black colored apothecia in the center of the left photo. These apotheciahave been colonized by the ecoles and are dying. (MDO, EB, HC, MSSB,MBSP). This species is either C. nashii or C. crenulata.22

CandelariaCandelflame LichensCandelaria sp.CANDLEFLAME LICHENHabitat: On woody branches in coastal scrub, chaparral, oak woodlands.Notes: Crustose. This is a very fine crust with bright yellow “coating.” Seenhere on Adenostoma faciculatum and Ceanothus cuneatus with Physica sp. (MDO,LOOR, MBSP). Either C. concolor or C. pacifica.CladoniaPowderhorn, Pixie-cup, Cladonia LichensCaldonia cervicornis verticillataLADDER LICHEN23

Habitat: Grows on the ground, typically on open sandy soils, or as anunderstory beneath shrubs and forbs.Notes: Fruticose. Notice how the podetia (disks) appear to be stacked andarising from one another. (MBSP, MDO)Cladonia macilentaLIPSTICK POWDERHORN OR PIN CLADONIAHabitat: On old branches in maritime chaparral.Notes: Seen here, growing on dead wood branches of Arctostaphylos morroensisnear the ground. (MDO)Cladonia sp.MEALY PIXIE-CUP/PIXIE-CUP LICHEN24

Habitat: On the ground and sometimes on stems in coastal scrub,chaparral and open areas near coastal scrub/grassland ecotones.Notes: Green. Highly lobed thallus. Podetia strongly goblet-like. Oftenclump-forming. A common ground lichen. This is C. chlorophea or C.asahinae. (MBSP, MDO, HC)Cladonia fimbriataCLADONIAHabitat: On the ground in coastal scrub, chaparral and open areas nearcoastal scrub/grassland ecotones. (MBSP, MDO)25

Cladonia sp.CLADONIAHabitat: On old wood, woody branches, and on the ground.Notes: This prostrate growing foliolose lichen is found in the maritimechaparral community growing in distinct patches on undisturbed soils in theopen and beneath plants such as Ericameria ericoides, Adenostoma fasciculatum,Arctostaphylos morroensis, and Ceanothus cuneatus. (MBSP, LOOR, MDO)26

ChrysothrixGold Dust LichensChrysothrix candelarisGOLD DUST LICHENHabitat: On rocks, seldom on wood.Notes: Crust forming. Bright yellow. No thallus. All soredia. (MDO, MBSP,HC, EB, LOOR)DendrographaFalse Orchil LichensDendographa leucophaeaFALSE ORCHIL27

Habitat: On undisturbed rocky outcrops along the immediate coast, justoffshore, and on coastal islands.Notes: Fruticose. This dense clump has soft whitish thallus. Main branches areflattened. Infertile form (seen here) is softer, lighter, and main branches aremore brittle. (MDO, MBSP, EB)DermatocarponStippleback or Leather LichensDermatocarpon americanumCOMMON STIPPLEBACK OR LEATHER LICHENHabitat: Islands and rocks along the immediate coast.Notes: Single thalli, often with slightly lobed margins. Flattened upper surfaceis dull grayish. Brittle, foliolose, and prostrate. Sometimes found in clusters.Also known as “rock lettuce,” this species is most commonly found onsandstone. Black dots are perithecia. (MBSP, EB)28

EverniaOakmoss LichensEvernia prunastriOAKMOSS LICHENHabitat: On wood and woody branches in maritime chaparral, coastal scrub,and oak woodlandsNotes: Fruticose. Light greenish with a lobed and branched thallus. Sometimesconfused with Ramalina leptocarpa, Evernia prunastri has a small more delicate tuft.Seen here on Adenostoma fasciculatum. (LOOR, MBSP)29

FlavoparmeliaGreenshield LichensFlavoparmelia caperataCOMMON GREENSHEILD LICHENHabitat: On woody stems in chaparral and coastal scrubNotes: Thallus flattened, prostrate,and light green-yellow. Often wrinkled.Apothecia reddish brown. Fairly common, this species prefers old woodybranches. Seen here on Ceanothus cuneatus (MBSP, LOOR, MDO)HeterodermiaFringe or Centipede LichensHeterodermia leucomelaELEGANT FRINGE or ELEGANT CENTIPEDE LICHEN30

Habitat: On wood in maritime chaparral and coastal scrub.Notes: Fruticose and clump forming. Long white thallus with black marginalcilia. (LOOR, MBSP, MDO)Heterodermia namaquanaCOASTAL FRINGE LICHENHabitat: On wood in maritime chaparral and coastal scrub.Notes: Fruticose. Short and shrubby, with a white thallus and an undersurfacethat is fuzzy and soft, almost web-like. Marginal cilia are white turning black.Seen here on A. fasciculatum and C. cuneatus. (LOOR, MBSP)31

HubbsiaBrittle Bag LichenHubbsia parishiiBRITTLE BAG LICHENHabitat: On undisturbed rock along immediate coast, just offshore, and oncoastal islands.Notes: Fruticose. Clump forming, almost “brain-like.” Has a white thallus andthe lobes are inflated. Soredia present, commonly at tips of thallus. This speciesis restricted to undisturbed, exposed rocky area along the coast. (MBSP, EB32

HypogamniaTube, Bone, or Pillow LichensHypogamnia gracilisFORKED TUBE LICHENHabitat: On the bark of shrubs and trees in coastal scrub, coast live oakwoodland, and maritime chaparralNotes: Foliolose. Thallus is whitish, dark underneath. Thallus lobes areelongated and sometimes tube-like. Apothecia reddish, large, and flared whenmature. Seen here on Ceanothus cuneatus. (MBSP)Hypogamnia mollisLOS OSOS BLACK AND WHITE TUBE LICHENStatus: CNPS 1B33

Habitat: On the bark and twigs of shrubs and trees in coastal scrub, coast liveoak woodland, and maritime chaparralNotes: Foliolose. Thallus is thick, whitish on top, and dark underneath. Thethallus is shorter and stouter than other Hypogamnia species; lobes are sometimestube-like. Lacks apothecia and has surface soralia. Tends to occur in smallpatches. Common host species include: Artemisia californica (coastal sagebrush),Arctostaphylos morroensis (Morro manzanita), and Ceanothus cuneatus (buckbrush).(MBSP, LOOR)KaerenfeltiaThornbush LichensKaerenfeltia sp.COASTAL THORNBUSH LICHENHabitat: Woody branches at undisturbed sites in coastal scrub and chaparral.Notes: Fruticose. Shrubby, with a dark brown-green branching thallus. Black,terminal apothecia. Seen here on Ceanothus cuneatus. When wet, specimensappear to be much more green and fleshy, like seaweed. This specimen is eitherK. californica or K. merrilli (LOOR, MBSP)34

LecanoraRim-lichensLecanora caesiorubellaFROSTED RIM-LICHENHabitat: Tree trunks.Notes: Seen here on Salix lasiolepis in a wooded canyon. (MDO, MBSP, LOOR)Other Lecanora speciesHabitat: On bark, in wooded areas. (HC, MDO)35

Habitat: On coastal sandstone. (EB)Habitat: On rock. (MBSP, EB)Habitat: On soil. (MBSP, MDO, LOOR, EB, HC)36

MelaneliaCamouflage or Brown LichensMelanelia fuliginosaSHINY CAMOUFLAGE LICHENHabitat: On wood in coastal scrub and chaparral.Notes: Foliolose. Thallus is green to brown and appears to be wrinkled.Grows prostrate against woody branches, especially old or dead wood that isclose to the ground. Not observed in colonies. (MDO, MBSP, LOOR)37

MicareaDot LichensMicarea nitschkeanaDOT LICHENHabitat: Thick encrusting lichen. White thallus and black bulb or dot-likeapothecia. On sandstone along the immeadiate coast. (EB)38

NieblaFog LichensNiebla cephalota – on rockPOWDERY FOG LICHENHabitat: On rocks along the immediate coast and on coastal islands, or onwoody branches in oak woodlands and riparian areas near the coastNotes: Shrubby and small, this is the most distinct of the Niebla species. Thelight green-grey thallus is more or less cylindric. Tipped with darker grey “fuzzyballs” which are actually clusters of soridea. Most commonly on wood. Foundgrowing on Salix lasiolepis and on rock. (MDO, MBSP, LOOR, EB, HC)39

Niebla combeiodesBOQUET FOG LICHENHabitat: On rocks along the immediate coast and on coastal islands.Notes: Found at EB on rock.40

Niebla homeleaNIEBLAHabitat: On rocks along the immediate coast and on coastal islands. (MBSP,MDO, EB)Niebla laevigataBLACK-FOOTED FOG LICHENHabitat: On rocks along the immediate coast and on coastal islands.Notes: Found on rock at EB.41

Niebla tuberculaARMORED FOG LICHENHabitat: On rocks along the immediate coast and on coastal islands. (MBSP,MDO, EB)42

Niebla sp.NIEBLAHabitat: On rocks along the immediate coast and on coastal islands.Occasionally on rock in coastal canyons (MDO, MBSP, EB)43

OpeographaScribble LichensOpeographa sp.SRRIBBLE LICHENHabitat: On coastal rocks.Notes: Crustose. Whitish with blue-grey, sunken and elongated apothecia,shaped like skinny kidney beans. Uncommon in our area. (MSSB, MDO,LOOR, MBSP, EB, HC)44

OphisiomaBloodspot LichensOphisioma sp.BLOODSPOT LICHENHabitat: On beached wood in stabilized dune-estuary ecotone.Notes: Thallus is white and textured, similar to bitter lobed lichens. Apotheciared-pink-orange with lobed margins. (EB)ParmotremmaRuffle or Scatter-rug LichensParmotremma chinensisPOWERED RUFFLE LICHEN45

Habitat: Woody branches in coastal scrub, chaparral.Notes: Foliolose. Seen here on A. fasciculatum. Differentiated from the sensitiveP. hypolucinum by the light margins underside. (MDO, LOOR, MBSP, MSSB,EB, HC)PertusariaWart LichensPertusaria amaraBITTER WART LICHENHabitat: On woody branches in coastal scrub and chaparral. Often near theground and on dead wood.Notes: Thallus is grey and dotted white and has fruiting warts and whitesoredia. Has a bitter taste. Seen here on C. cuneatus. (LOOR, MBSP)46

PhysciaRosette LichensPhysica tribecciaHabitat: Often on woody branches, especially near the base of shrubs,sometimes on the ground. In Coastal scrub and chaparral communities.Notes: Foliolose. Thallus whitish and margins are delicately lobed. Apotheciadark with white rim. Forms small prostrate clusters. (MBSP, MDO, HC, EB)47

RamalinaRamalinaRamalina menzeseiLACE LICHEN, FISH NET LICHEN, OLD MAN’S BEARDHabitat: On tree branches in oak woodland and riparian areas.Notes: Thallus is light sage-green and net-like. Forms large clusters and colonies.Most commonly found on Quercus agrifolia and Salix lasieolepis. Often long andwhispy. Commonly observed in bird’s nests. (MDO, LOOR, MBSP, MSSB, EB,HC)48

Ramalina leptocarpaWESTERN STRAP LICHENHabitat: On tree branches in oak woodland and riparian areas.Notes: Shrubby. Thallus light sage-green. In dietary experiments, moist samplesof this species were the preferred food of the Big Sur Shoulder band snail. Seenhere on Salix lasieolepis. (MDO, MBSP)RinodinaPepper-spore LichenRinodina sp.PEPPER-SPORE LICHENHabitat: Rock.49

Notes: Brown thallus and apothecia. (EB, MDO, HC)SchizopolteFog FingersSchizopolte californicaFOG FINGERSHabitat: On coastal rocks.Notes: Thick light grey thallus. Apothecia darker than the thallus, with lobedmargins, often like a flower. Commonly found on shaded rock faces. Picture onfar left is a cluster of Schizopolte californica that has been attacked by a fungus andis rotting away. (MBSP, EB)50

SulcariaGrooved Horsehair LichensSulcaria isidiiferaSPLITTING YARN LICHENStatus: CNPS 1BHabitat: On shrubs and trees in the coastal scrub, maritime chaparral and oakwoodland communities on old stabilized dunes.Notes: Grey branching thallus with a longitudinal groove or split down thecenter of each branch. Splits filled with isidia. Believed to be endemic to the LosOsos area. No fertile specimens have ever been found. Seen here growing onthe inner branches of A. fasciculatum. Recent surveys noted that this species isrestricted to the oak woodland and maritime chaparral ecotones. (LOOR,MDO)51

TeloschistesGold-eye LichensTeloschistes flavicansPOWDER ORANGE BUSH LICHENHabitat: Woody shrubs in chaparral and open areas in oak woodlands.Notes: Orange branching thallus and large orange apothecia. Often growing onA. fasciculatum and C. cuneatus along oak woodland ecotones (MBSP, LOOR,MDO)ThelommaNipple LichensThelomma californicumLOBED NIPPLE LICHEN52

Habitat: Coastal rocky outcrops, in local coastal canyons on shale.Notes: Crustose. The thallus is white and the margin is distinctly lobed. Araised collar surrounds the black spore mass of apothecia. (MDO)Thelomma mammosumROCK NIPPLE LICHENHabitat: Coastal rocks.Notes: Thallus white with a raised collar that surrounds the black spore mass ofapothecia. Much more common than Thelomma californicum and lacks large whitelobes. (MBSP, MDO, EB)53

TuckermannopsisWrinkle LichenTuckermannopsis merrilliiWRINKLE LICHENHabitat: Woody branches in coastal scrub, chaparral.Notes: Fruticose. Shrubby, the thallus is green to brown-green. Apotheciadarker with small lobes around the margin. Often confused with Keranfeltiacalifornica. (LOOR, MBSP)Tuckermannopsis sp.WRINKLE LICHENHabitat: Woody branches in coastal scrub, chaparral.54

Notes: Fruticose and shrubby. The thallus is green to brown-green. Apotheciadarker with small lobes around the margin. Often confused with Keranfeltiacalifornica and Melanellia species. (LOOR, MBSP)UmbillicariaRock TripesUmbillicaria phaeaEMERY ROCK TRIPEHabitat: On coastal rocks.Notes: Usually occurs in clusters. Brown thick, crispy thallus. Black apotheciaare partially embedded. (MBSP, EB)55

UsneaBeard LichensUsnea fragilescensINFLATED BEARD LICHENHabitat: On woody branches in coastal scrub and chaparralNotes: Highly inflated stems. Generally found growing on Adenostomafasciculatum and Ceanothus cuneatus. A few populations were found on the innerbranches and trunks of old-growth Arctostaphylos morroensis. (MBSP, LOOR,MDO)Usnea rubicundaRED BEARD LICHENHabitat: On woody branches in coastal scrub and chaparral56

Notes: More widespread than U. frageliscense. Also strongly associated with A.fasciculatum and C. cuneatus. Usnea species have a high concentration of Usnicacid, for which they are named. (MDO, MBSP, LOOR)Usnea glabrataLUSTROUS BEARD LICHENHabitat: On woody branches in coastal scrub and chaparralNotes: Slightly inflated branches. More widespread than U. frageliscense. Alsostrongly associated with A. fasciculatum and C. cuneatus. (MBSP, LOOR, MDO)Usnea sp.BEARD LICHENHabitat: On woody branches in coastal scrub and chaparral.57

Notes: More widespread than U. frageliscense. Also strongly associated with A.fasciculatum and C. cuneatus. (MBSP, LOOR, MDO)Usnea sp.BEARD LICHENHabitat: On woody branches in coastal scrub and chaparralNotes: More widespread than U. frageliscense. Also strongly associated with A.fasciculatum and C. cuneatus. (LOOR, MDO, MBSP)VerrucariaSpeck LichensVerrucaria sp.SPECK LICHEN58

Habitat: On rockNotes: Inconspicuous thallus and apothecia are dark grey to black. (HC, EB,MDO)XanthoparmeliaRock-shield LichensXanthoparmelia spp.ROCK-SHEILD LICHENHabitat: Rocky substrates.Notes: Whitish-green thallus with lobed margins. Apothecia are red-brown andlobed. (HC, EB, MBSP, MDO)59

XanthoriaSunburst LichensXanthoria candelariaSHRUBBY SUNBURST LICHENHabitat: On coastal rocks and rocky outcrops in coastal grasslands andcanyons.Notes: Thallus is foliolose (nearing fruticose). Often forms bunches orcolonies. Prefers mineral rich environments such as bird colonies and rocksalong the intertidal. (EB, MBSP)60

Xanthoria polycarpaPIN-CUSHION SUNBURST LICHENHabitat: On wood.Notes: Thallus is foliolose (nearing fruticose). Often forms bunches orcolonies. (EB)Xanthoria sp.SUNBURST LICHENHabitat: On coastal rocks, rocky outcrops in coastal grasslands and canyons.61

Notes: Thallus is foliolose (nearing fruticose). Often forms bunches orcolonies. Prefers mineral rich environments such as bird colonies and rocksalong the intertidal. (EB, MBSP, MDO)62

Documented Lichens of the Estero Bay AreaSpecies list compiled from field surveys conducted by Shirley Tucker,Kerry Knudsen, and Lisa AndreanoScientific NameAbrothallus prodiensAcarospora sp.Anthonia radiataArthonia chiodectellaArthopyrenia lyrataArthopyrenia punctiformisBacidina rameaBryoria capillarisBryoria spp.Buellia alboatraBuellia haloniaBuellia haloniaBuellia haloniaBuellia maritimaBuellia muriformisBuellia oidaleaBuellia penichraBuellia pullataBuellia punctataBuellia sp.Buellia tessellataDocumented SubstrateParasite on Hypogamia with Echinothecium reticulatum .Found on Adenostoma fasciculatum Arctostaphylos morroensis,Quercus agrifoliarockA. fasciculatumArtemisia californica, Ericameria ericoides, Q. agrifolia, Salviamellifera, Ceanothus cuneatus, A. fasciculatumQ. agrifoliaA. californica, E. ericoides, A. morroensis, Q. agrifolia, S.mellifera, C. cuneatus, A. fasciculatum, Mimulus aurantiacusC. cuneatusSoilA. californica, Baccharis pilularis, E. ericoides, A. morroensis, Q.agrifolia, S. mellifera, C. cuneatus, A. fasciculatum, M.aurantiacusA. californica, B. pilularis, E. ericoides, A. morroensis,Q.agrifolia, S. mellifera, C. cuneatus, A. fasciculatum, M.aurantiacus,RockE. ericoides, Q. agrifoliaA. californica, B. pilularis, E. ericoides, Arctostaphylosmorroensis, Q. agrifolia, S. mellifera, C. cuneatus, A.fasciculatum, M. aurantiacusSandstoneA. californica, E. ericoides, Q. agrifoliaQuercus agrifoliaA. californica, B. pilularis, E. ericoides, A. morroensis, Q.agrifolia, S. mellifera, C. cuneatus, A. fasciculatum, M.aurantiacusRockA. fasciculatumRockRock63

Calicium abietinumE. ericoides, Q. agrifolia, S. melliferaCaloplaca bolacinaSandstoneCaloplaca cerinaQuercus agrifolia, Ceanothus cuneatus, Adenostoma fasciculatumCaloplaca coralloidesRockCaloplaca ferrugineaA. californicaA. californica, E. ericoides, A. morroensis, Q. agrifolia, C.Caloplaca ferrugineacuneatus, A. fasciculatum, M. aurantiacusCaloplaca holocarpaDead oak woodA. californica, E. ericoides, A. morroensis, Q. agrifolia, C.Caloplaca holocarpacuneatus, A. fasciculatumCaloplaca luteominia Volcanic rock and sandstoneluteominiaA. californica, E. ericoides, A. morroensis, Q. agrifolia, C.Candelaria concolorcuneatus, A. fasciculatumCandelariella vitellina sandstoneCatillaria chalybeiabluffsCatillaria lenticularis sandstoneChrysothrix candelaris A. fasciculatum, C. cuneatus , Prunus fasciculata, and onunknown rockChrysothrix granulosa On bark and rockA. californica, E. ericoides, A. morroensis, Q. agrifolia, C.Cladonia asahinaecuneatus, A. fasciculatumCladonia cervicornis ssp.cervicornisOn chaparral debisCladonia cervicornis ssp.verticillataAdenostoma fasciculatumA. californica, E. ericoides, A. morroensis, Q. agrifolia, C.Cladonia chlorophaea cuneatus, A. fasciculatum and on soilA. californica, E. ericoides, A. morroensis, Q. agrifolia, C.cuneatus, A. fasciculatum and on Los Osos Baywood FineCladonia firmaSandsCladonia subulataE. ericoides, C. cuneatusCladonia verruculifera Q. agrifoliaCliostomum griffithiiQ. agrifoliaCollema furfuraceumQ. agrifoliaCollema subnigrescens E. ericoides, Q. agrifolia, C. cuneatusCyphelium tigillareQ. agrifolia, C. cuneatusDermatocarpon americanum SandstoneDimelaena radiata Parasite on Cladonia. White rock type, Q. agrifolia, and C.cuneatusDiploschistes muscorum E. ericoides, Q. agrifolia, C. cuneatus, M. aurantiacusDiploschistes scruposus Q. agrifolia, A. fasciculatumParasite on Hypogamia. Found on Q. agrifolia, A.Echinothecium reticulatum fasciculatumEndocarpon pallidulum Rock drainageEvernia prunastriC. cuneatus, Q. agrifoliaFlavoparmelia caperata C. cuneatusFlavoparmelia caperata Q. agrifolia64

Flavoparmelia sp.Flavoppunctelia flaventiorHeterodermia erinaceaHeterodermia leucomelaHeterodermia namaquanaHypogamia enteromorphaHypogamia imshaugiiHypogamia inactivaHypogamnia mollisHypogamia occidentalisHypogamnia sp.Hypogymnia mollisKaernefeltia merrilliiLecanactis californicaLecania californicaLecania crytellaLecania cyanthiformis (S.cyanthiformis)Lecania dudleyiLecania fructigenaLecania subdispersaLecanora caesiorubellaLecanora caesiorubella ssp.merrilliiLecanora crenulata.Lecanora dispersaLecanora sp.Lecanora strobilinaLecanora symmictaLecanora variaLecidella meiococcaLepraria xerophilaLeprocaulon microscopiumLeptogium teretiusculumLlimonaea californicaMelanelia fuliginosaMicarea nitschkeanaMobergia angelicaNiebla cephalotaNiebla combeoidesNiebla homeleaNiebla laviaegataNiebla tigrinaNieblacephalotaOpegrapha herbarumOpegrapha xericaRockQ. agrifoliaQ. agrifoliaC. cuneatus, Q. agrifoliaA. californica, E. ericoidesA. californica, C. cuneatusE. ericoidesE. ericoides, Q. agrifolia, A. fasciculatumE. ericoides, Q. agrifolia, C. cuneatus, A. fasciculatumE. ericoides, Q. agrifolia, C. cuneatus, A. fasciculatumB. pilularisC. cuneatus, A. fasciculatumC. cuneatus, A. fasciculatumS. lasieolepis, Q. agrifoliaS. lasieolepis, Q. agrifolia, P. fasciculataP. fasciculataBark and rockSandstoneSandstoneSandstone and other lichensQuercus agrifoliaQuercus agrifoliaSandstoneSandstone bluff faceDead woodS. lasieolepis, Q. agrifoliaP. radiate, Q. agrifoliaQ. agrifoliaVolcanic rock and sandstoneSoil surface and other lichensConsolidated soil and other crumbling rockSoil surfacePinus radiataC. cuneatus, Q. agrifolia, P. radiataSandstoneSandstoneRock, on bark of Pinus radiate, on oakRockRockRockRockRockS. lasieolepis, Q. agrifolia, P. radiate, B. pilularisS. lasieolepis, Q. agrifolia, P. radiate, B. pilularis65

Parmelia sulcataParmotrema chinenseParmotrema hypoleucinumParmotrema sp.Pertusaria amaraPertusaria hymeneaPertusaria rubefactaPhaeophysica sp.Physcia adscendensPhyscia tribaciaPhysica sp.Polysporina simplexPorina choroticaPyrrhospora querneaRamalina farinaceaRamalina leptocarphaRamalina menziesiiRamalina pollinariaRamalina spp.Ramalina subleptocarphaRhizocarpon spp.Rinodina californicaRinodina californiensisRinodina grennariiRinodina herreiRinodina innataSchizopelte californicaSulcaria isidiiferaSyzygospora physciacearumTeloschistes chrysothalmusTeloschistes exilisTeloschistes flavicansThelomma sp.Trapelia coarctataTrapeliopsis granulosaTuckermannopsis chlorophyllaTuckermannopsis merrilliiTuckermannopsis orbataTuckermannopsis platyphyllaUsnea fragelescensUsnea glabrataUsnea mutabilisUsnea pendulinaUsnea rubicundaUsnea subfloridanaXanthoria candelariaQ. agrifoliaA. californica, E. ericoides, A. morroensis, Q. agrifolia, C.cuneatus, A. fasciculatumA. californica,, C. cuneatus, A. fasciculatumB. pilularisC. cuneatusC. cuneatus, A. fasciculatumQ. agrifoliaRockQ. agrifoliaQ. agrifolia, rockRockSandstoneSandstoneQ. agrifoliaB. pilularis, Q. agrifoliaQ. agrifolia, B. pilularisCeanothus cuneatus var fascicularis Q. agrifolia and CeanothuscuneatusB. pilularisHeteromeles arbutifolia, B. pilularisQ. agrifolia, P. radiate, B. pilularisSandstoneRock, barkQ. agrifoliaSandstoneQ. agrifoliaSandstoneRockA. morroensis, A. fasciculatumParasite on Heterodermia namaquanaQ. agrifoliaA. fasciculatum, Q. agrifolia,A. fasciculatumRockConsolidated clayDead woodC. cuneatus, A. fasciculatumQ. agrifoliaA. fasciculatum, C. cuneatusAdenostoma fasciculatumA. morroensis, C. cuneatus, A. fasciculatumC. cuneatus, A. fasciculatumC. cuneatus, A. fasciculatumC. cuneatus, A. fasciculatumC. cuneatus, A. fasciculatumA. fasciculatumQ. agrifolia, A. fasciculatum66

Xanthoria spp.Xanthoria polycarpaDead wood, rockA. fasciculatum67

RECOMMENDED TEXTSNorth American Lichens. Brodo, I., et al. 2001. Yale Univ. Press.Lichens of California. Hale, M., M. Cole. 1989. UC Press.Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert, Vol. 1 and 2. 2004. Nash, T.H., etal. (eds.). Arizona State Univ. Lichen Herbarium.Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest. 1997. McCunne, B. Oregon Univ.Press.CONTRIBUTING ENTITIESMorro Bay Nat’l. Estuary Program/Bay FoundationKerry Knudsen, Lichenologist, UC RiversideDr. David J. Keil, Robert F. Hoover Herbarium, Cal Poly SLOMichael Walgren, Cal. Dept. Parks and Recreation EcologistShirley Tucker, Lichenologist, Santa Barbara Mus. Nat. Hist.Cal. Dept. of Parks and Recreation, San Luis Obispo Coast DistrictSpecies Lists from: Kerry Knudsen, Shirley Tucker, Cal. Lichen Soc.Cal. Native Plant Soc. list of Rare and Endangered Species68