description Leptogium lichenoides Overview
Leptogium lichenoides is a foliose jelly lichen recognized by its blue-gray, minutely ridged lobes and gelatinous texture when wet, commonly found on mossy soil and rocks.
help Leptogium lichenoides FAQ
What does Leptogium lichenoides look like when wet versus dry?
When wet, Leptogium lichenoides becomes gelatinous and its blue-gray lobes swell and become more flexible, taking on a jelly-like texture. When dry, the thallus becomes darker and more rigid, with the minutely ridged surface texture becoming more visible.
What substrates does Leptogium lichenoides typically grow on?
L. lichenoides is commonly found on mossy soil and rocks where moisture levels remain relatively consistent. As a jelly lichen containing cyanobacteria, it requires damp conditions to maintain its gelatinous thallus structure and is frequently encountered among bryophytes on the ground.
Does Leptogium lichenoides contain cyanobacteria?
Yes, like all species in the genus Leptogium, L. lichenoides contains cyanobacteria—specifically Nostoc—as its photobiont. This cyanobacterial partnership gives the lichen its gelatinous texture when wet and enables it to fix atmospheric nitrogen.
How does Leptogium lichenoides differ from Leptogium saturninum?
L. lichenoides is recognized by its blue-gray, minutely ridged lobes, whereas L. saturninum has broader, darker gray-brown lobes with a more coarsely textured surface. L. lichenoides also tends to prefer mossy soil and rock substrates, while L. saturninum is more commonly found on bark and humid wood.
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