Ramalina fraxinea

Ramalina fraxinea, the cartilage lichen,[2][3] is a fruticose lichen with erect or pendulous thalli and branches that are flattened. Colour varies from pale green though yellow-grey to white-grey; apothecia are frequent and soralia may also be present.

Ramalina fraxinea
Cartilage lichen
Ramalina fraxinea growing in Eglinton Country Park, Scotland. Note the stalked apothecia.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Fungi
Phylum:
Ascomycota
Subdivision:
Pezizomycotina
Class:
Lecanoromycetes
Order:
Lecanorales
Family:
Ramalinaceae
Genus:
Ramalina
Species:
R. fraxinea
Binomial name
Ramalina fraxinea
(L.) Ach. 1814
Synonyms

Lichen fraxineus L.
Ramalina fraxinea f. ampliata (Ach.) Anders
Ramalina fraxinea subsp. calicariformis (Nyl.) de Lesd., 1954
Ramalina fraxinea var. ampliata (Ach.) Ach., 1810
Ramalina fraxinea var. calicariformis Nyl., 1870
Ramalina fraxinea var. calicaris (L.) Schaer.[1]

Habitats and distribution
Detail of thallus upper surface.

This lichen is widespread in the United Kingdom, being found on tree bark. In north-eastern England and eastern Scotland it is often well developed, growing up to 12 cm with thongs of up to 2 cm wide. In less favourable areas it is much smaller.[4] The species has declined markedly since the mid 20th century and is now rare or absent in many UK areas.[5] Its sensitivity to air pollution and fertilizer enrichment may be reasons for the decline.[6] It is mainly found on the bark of Acer, Fraxinus, Populus, Tilia and Ulmus; it has been found growing on Rhododendron[7] and oak.[8]

It has been recorded in Spain,[9] Belgium, Luxembourg, France,[10][11] England, Scotland,[11] Hungary,[12] Norway[13] and Latvia.[14] The species has been widely recorded in the United States of America.[15]

R. fraxinea likes windy, exposed and well-lit sites and it is found on species with nutrient-rich bark.[16] The species also likes humid or foggy areas near ponds or rivers.[17]

Structure and appearance
Detail of the thallus under surface.

The Latin name 'Ramas' means branch. This genus is a shrubby or fruticose group with erect or pendulous thalli. The branches are flattened and rather stiff. Colour varies from pale green though yellow-grey to white-grey. Apothecia are frequent and soralia may be present. Apothecia are usually concave and often pruinose. R. fraxinea branches have a very distinctive shape, being widest toward the middle (as much as 4.5 cm in some specimens) and tapering at both the point of attachment and toward the tip (to about 1 cm). The thallus is green-grey in colour, pendent and may be as long as 10 cm. It has the overall appearance of being coarsely tufted, individual branches showing a channelled, wrinkled appearance. The branches may have a twist or turn to them. The apothecia are cup-like and convex and are found both along the edges of the branches and on the surface or lamina.[18]

The Ramalinas are also known as 'Bush', 'Strap',[17] or 'Gristle' lichens.[7] They always grow upside-down, and this plant looks like seaweed nailed to a tree.[19]

It has a scientific symbol of 'RAFR' and an ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System)[20] serial of 190870.[21]

Life cycle

The spores are kidney-shaped. It does not contain as many apothecia as Ramalina fastigiata.[18] The specimens in the photographs here shown here are very large, but does not have many apothecia, the spore-producing discs. The few that were present were borne on short stalks, and were located on the surface of the lobes, especially near the edges.[16]

Sensitivity to air pollution

Ramalina fraxinae is very sensitive to air pollution (SO2). It likes windy, exposed and well-lit sites and is found mainly on trees.[18] It was found in Edinburgh in 2008 after an absence since 1797 due to air pollution.[7]

Uses

Ramalina species were at one time dried and ground down to produce a white hair powder and also used as a cure for chilblains.[22] It was also used in making perfumes and in Sweden, northern Europe and northern Russia, R. fraxinea has been used to make brandy. This process was most commonly used with Cladina rangiferina, but several other lichen species have been used.[23]

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See also

References
  1. The British Lichen Society Archived 2008-10-07 at the Wayback Machine
  2. Biolib. CZ
  3. Species information
  4. Alvin, Kenenth L. (1977), The Observer's Book of Lichens. London : Frederick Warne. ISBN 0-7232-1566-9. pp. 46 - 48.
  5. , the National Biodiversity Network's NBN Gateway -searchable by user-defined time periods - goto Browse Species.
  6. Dobson, F.S. (2011) Lichens: an illustrated guide to the British and Irish species (6th edn). Stroud: Richmond Publishing. ISBN 978-0-85546-315- 1, p.386.
  7. Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. Archived 2008-09-07 at the Wayback Machine
  8. Southampton Natural History Society Archived 2011-07-18 at the Wayback Machine
  9. Spanish lichen records Archived 2008-12-01 at the Wayback Machine
  10. Lichenology
  11. Allan Silverside's lichens Archived 2008-09-26 at the Wayback Machine
  12. Hungarian lichens Archived 2007-06-13 at the Wayback Machine
  13. Norwegian Records Archived 2005-09-20 at the Wayback Machine
  14. Latvia lichen records
  15. Cartilage Lichen
  16. Geograph photographs
  17. Enclylopedia of Life
  18. Lichens of Ireland Project
  19. Hymenophyllaceae Archived 2009-02-09 at the Wayback Machine
  20. ITIS
  22. Dobson, Frank S. The Jarrold Nature Series Common British Lichens. Norwich : Jarrold Colour Publications. Number 24.
  23. Ethnolichenology of the World.
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