Peacock Vinyl Lichen
ExploreFungi
Peacock Vinyl Lichen
scytinium polycarpum
Peacock Vinyl Lichen is a colorful and fascinating organism that can be found on trees and rocks. Its vibrant colors can make anyone smile and it plays an important role in its ecosystem!
Habitat: Found on tree bark and rocks in forests and coastal areas.
Appearance
The Peacock Vinyl Lichen has a striking, dark bluish-green to brownish-black thallus that looks like crinkled vinyl. When wet, it appears shiny and gelatinous, becoming brittle when dry. Its lobed, sometimes iridescent surface makes it visually distinct from other lichens.
KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassLecanoromycetesOrderPeltigeralesFamilyCollemataceaeGenusScytinium
Category
FungiRarity
Common
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It's like two organisms in one, a fungus and a tiny alga or cyanobacterium!
Scientists can use lichens like these to tell how clean the air is around them!
This lichen can live for hundreds, even thousands, of years, growing super slowly!
When very dry, it can feel like a crispy potato chip, then soften like jelly!
Special abilities
Ability
Air Purifier
Peacock Vinyl Lichen can 'breathe' nitrogen from the air because it has tiny cyanobacteria partners that convert it into plant food.
Ability
Drought Survivor
Peacock Vinyl Lichen can dry out completely and appear lifeless, rehydrating later because its cells tolerate extreme water loss.
Ability
Rock Sculptor
Peacock Vinyl Lichen can slowly break down rocks because its acids and growth help create new soil over time.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 0.1-5 cm
- Edibility
- inedible
- Growth Substrate
- other
- Season
- Year-round
Ecological connections
symbiotic with
Nostoc Cyanobacterium
Nostoc commune
Its tiny partner produces food and nitrogen.
eats
Green Springtail
Isotoma viridis
Grazes on its surfaces, consuming small fragments.
eats
Lichen Moth
Parixus scutulatus
Its caterpillars munch on the lichen for sustenance.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Also known as
Colorful Lichen
Safety
Danger
0/5 · No known danger
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Peacock Vinyl Lichen?
0.1-5 cm
Is Peacock Vinyl Lichen edible?
inedible
Where is Peacock Vinyl Lichen usually found?
Found on tree bark and rocks in forests and coastal areas.
What does Peacock Vinyl Lichen grow on?
other
When is Peacock Vinyl Lichen in season?
Year-round
Snap Map
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