description Peltigera aphthosa Overview
Peltigera aphthosa is a large terrestrial foliose lichen with broad lobes and wart-like cephalodia on the upper surface. The cephalodia contain cyanobacteria, allowing the lichen to obtain nitrogen through biological fixation in addition to the photosynthesis provided by its primary algal partner. It grows on soil, moss, and humus in cool forest, upland, and boreal habitats and is studied as an example of a lichen with more than one photosynthetic partner.
help Peltigera aphthosa FAQ
What are the wart-like bumps on Peltigera aphthosa?
They are cephalodia, structures that contain cyanobacteria on the upper surface of the lichen. Their wart-like appearance is one of the easiest field clues for recognizing Peltigera aphthosa.
Why are cyanobacteria important to Peltigera aphthosa?
The cyanobacteria can fix atmospheric nitrogen, giving the lichen access to an important nutrient. The lichen's other photosynthetic partner supplies products of photosynthesis, so the two partnerships perform different functions.
Does Peltigera aphthosa grow on trees or on soil?
Peltigera aphthosa is a large terrestrial foliose lichen that typically grows on soil, moss, or other ground-level substrates. Its broad lobes can form conspicuous patches in suitable damp habitats.
What kind of lichen is Peltigera aphthosa?
It is a foliose lichen with broad, leafy lobes and a relatively large terrestrial thallus. The combination of ground growth and upper-surface cephalodia helps separate it from bark-dwelling foliose lichens such as Lobaria virens.
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