description Collema crispum Overview
Collema crispum is a gelatinous, foliose lichen now treated in some taxonomic sources under the name Blennothallia crispa. It forms dark green, olive, or nearly black rosettes with broad, overlapping lobes and may produce numerous scale-like isidia that resemble small lobules. It is associated especially with calcareous soil and is recorded from cool-temperate and Mediterranean regions of several continents.
help Collema crispum FAQ
What is the updated scientific name for Collema crispum?
Collema crispum is a gelatinous, foliose lichen that is now treated in some taxonomic sources under the name Blennothallia crispa. This renaming reflects modern advancements in DNA-based fungal taxonomy. However, many older field guides still use the traditional Collema classification.
What does Collema crispum look like?
It forms dark green, olive, or nearly black rosettes with broad, overlapping lobes. The lichen's gelatinous nature means it swells up and becomes slippery when wet. It often looks like a cluster of dark, leafy jelly on its substrate.
What are the scale-like structures found on Collema crispum?
The lichen may produce numerous scale-like isidia that resemble small lobules across its surface. These isidia are actually reproductive structures that can break off and form new lichens. They give the thallus a distinctly textured, bumpy appearance.
What type of habitat does Collema crispum typically grow in?
Because it is a gelatinous lichen, Collema crispum requires consistently moist environments to thrive. It is often found growing directly on calcareous rocks, soil, or sometimes mossy tree bases. It swells significantly after rainstorms to photosynthesize.
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