Stereocaulon spp. #

Taxa #

Stereocaulon alpestre, Stereocaulon alpinum, Stereocaulon apocalypticum, Stereocaulon arcticum, Stereocaulon arenarium, Stereocaulon areolatum, Stereocaulon botryosum, Stereocaulon capitellatum, Stereocaulon cephalocrustatum, Stereocaulon condensatum, Stereocaulon coniophyllum, Stereocaulon dactylophyllum, Stereocaulon depressum, Stereocaulon fecundum, Stereocaulon glareosum, Stereocaulon grande, Stereocaulon groenlandicum, Stereocaulon hypothallinum, Stereocaulon incrustatum, Stereocaulon intermedium, Stereocaulon klondikense, Stereocaulon leprocephalum, Stereocaulon leucophaeopsis, Stereocaulon myriocarpum, Stereocaulon nivale, Stereocaulon octomerum, Stereocaulon paschale, Stereocaulon pileatum, Stereocaulon plicatile, Stereocaulon rivulorum, Stereocaulon sasakii var. sasakii, Stereocaulon sasakii var. simplex, Stereocaulon sasakii var. tomentosoides, Stereocaulon saviczii, Stereocaulon saxatile, Stereocaulon spathuliferum, Stereocaulon sterile, Stereocaulon subcoralloides, Stereocaulon subdenudatum, Stereocaulon symphycheilum, Stereocaulon tomentosum, Stereocaulon vesuvianum var. denudatum, Stereocaulon vesuvianum var. nodulosum, Stereocaulon vesuvianum var. symphycheileoides, Stereocaulon vesuvianum var. vesuvianum, Stereocaulon wrightii

(Spribille et al. 2023)

Organization #

Foam Lichens, Stereocaulaceae

Identification #

This genus of lichens is ubiquitous and speciose in Alaska. The many species of Stereocaulon can appear very similar to one another and while a few distinctive species can be learned and readily identified in the field, we suggest using microscopy and chemical tests (such as TLC in addition to spot tests) to identify them to species with certainty. Generally, however, the species in the genus are grayish or light green in color, some almost white or yellowed. The apothecia of most fertile species are reddish or brownish and become strongly convex. Soredia are found in some but not all species and conspicuous cephalodia are seen in many species as well. Most with phyllocladia rather than true isidia, thalli also commonly composed of granules and verrucae (CLH).

Substrate #

terricolous, saxicolous, bryocolous, rarely lignicolous

Notes #

A ubiquitous genus (and family) in Alaska, especially in alpine areas.

Photos #