description Sticta sylvatica Overview
Sticta sylvatica is a foliose cyanolichen with a leafy thallus composed of rounded, fan-shaped, or branching lobes. It is associated with humid, sheltered woodland habitats and is often found on the bark of mature broad-leaved trees, where it grows alongside other members of the Lobarion lichen community. The species is useful in ecological surveys because its presence is linked to continuity of suitable woodland conditions and clean, moist air.
help Sticta sylvatica FAQ
What does Sticta sylvatica look like?
Sticta sylvatica is a foliose lichen with a leafy thallus made of rounded, fan-shaped, or branching lobes. Its flattened growth form distinguishes it from bushy fruticose lichens such as Letharia columbiana.
Where does Sticta sylvatica grow?
It favors humid, sheltered woodland rather than exposed, dry sites. It is commonly associated with the bark of mature broad-leaved trees and may grow beside other Sticta species.
Is Sticta sylvatica a cyanolichen?
Yes, Sticta sylvatica is described as a cyanolichen, meaning its photosynthetic partner is a cyanobacterium. That partnership can provide the lichen with biologically fixed nitrogen as well as photosynthetic products.
How can I distinguish Sticta sylvatica from a flat leafy moss?
Look for the lichen's lobed thallus and the characteristic pore-like structures called cyphellae on the lower surface. A leafy moss is a separate plant lineage and does not have the Sticta combination of fungal tissue and cyanobacterial partnership.
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