description Kaernefeltia merrillii Overview
Kaernefeltia merrillii is a lichen-forming fungus in the family Parmeliaceae, sometimes treated in older sources under Cetraria. It is a small, dark greenish-black to olive fruticose or foliose lichen with stiff, narrow, angular branches and short spiny projections. The species is an epiphyte of conifer twigs and shrubs in western North America, ranging from Alaska and Yukon through British Columbia to California and inland mountain regions.
help Kaernefeltia merrillii FAQ
What is the current name of Kaernefeltia merrillii in older lichen books?
Older references may place it under the genus Cetraria, while current treatments use Kaernefeltia merrillii. Checking the synonymy is important because a specimen may appear under Cetraria merrillii in older field guides.
What does Kaernefeltia merrillii look like?
It is a small dark greenish-black to olive lichen with stiff, narrow, angular branches and short spiny projections. Its rigid fruticose or foliose appearance differs from soft, hair-like Bryoria or Alectoria.
Which lichen family contains Kaernefeltia merrillii?
It belongs to the family Parmeliaceae, the same broad family that includes many familiar foliose and fruticose lichens. The family placement helps explain why older names and modern molecular classifications may differ.
Is Kaernefeltia merrillii a leafy lichen or a branching lichen?
It has a compact fruticose to foliose form, with narrow angular branches rather than broad flat leaves. The short spiny projections are especially useful when comparing it with other dark Parmeliaceae.
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