Usnea strigosa explained

Usnea strigosa, commonly known as bushy beard lichen, is a fruticose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae.

Distribution

Usnea strigosa has worldwide distribution. It is a common tree lichen in Eastern and Southeastern North America.^{[1] [2]}

Description

This lichen is fruticose with 2 to 5 cm long branches and abundant terminal apothecia about 5 mm wide.

Taxonomy

Usnea strigosa has three recognized subspecies, major, rubiginea, and strigosa. There are also several chemotypes, bringing the current taxonomy into doubt.^{[3] [4]}

Ecology

Usnea strigosa grows on trees. The most frequent hosts of this lichen are oak trees. The photosynthetic symbionts of Usnea species are Chlorophyta green algae.

Notes and References

1. "CNALH - Usnea strigosa". http://lichenportal.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxauthid=1&taxon=54697&cl=1191 (accessed 10 Jan, 2015).
2. "Lichens USGA -- identification Guide -- Discover Life".http://www.discoverlife.org/mp/20q?guide=Lichens_USGA (accessed 10 Jan, 2015).
3. "ITIS Standard Report page - Usnea strigosa". https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=190835 (accessed 10 Jan, 2015).
4. "Strigose Beard Lichen (Usnea strigosa)". http://eol.org/pages/2858846/overview (accessed 10 Jan, 2015),