| Pseudephebe pubescens | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Lecanorales |
| Family: | Parmeliaceae |
| Genus: | Pseudephebe |
| Species: | P. pubescens |
| Binomial name | |
| Pseudephebe pubescens | |
Pseudephebe pubescens, also known as 'fine rock wool', is a temperate alpine lichen. [1] It is a member of the genus Pseudephebe , a lichen group characterized by dense mats of brown to near-black "hairs". [1]
Linnaeus first described Lichen pubescens in 1753. [1] Maurice Choisy transferred it to the genus Pseudephebe in 1930. It is usually distinguished from P. minuscula due to P. pubescens preferring a moister habitat, and its branches are more terete and lack the irregularities of P. minuscula. [2] The morphological and ecological differences between the two species are often overlapping, and it can be difficult to truly distinguish the two without molecular analysis. [3] [4]
Pseudephebe pubescens is a fruticose lichen that forms decumbent mats made of isotomic-dichotomous branching thalli. The branching occurs frequently and weaves around itself, leading to the woolen appearance. Dark brown to black in color and shiny. [5] Apothecia are rare, but are rarely greater than 6 mm in diameter and have the same appearance as the rest of the thallus. [6] The species lacks isidia, soredia, and pseudocyphellae. [3] Pycnidia occur in great numbers on tubercles with conspicuous ostioles. It is not known to produce any secondary metabolites. [7]
Pseudephebe pubescens is found specifically on acidic or silicate rocks in temperate-alpine or sub-arctic regions. [1] It has circumpolar sightings, being found from the Canadian territories, throughout the United States, and sometimes in alpine Mexico. [1] It has been known in Europe, but recently discovered in China [4] and even been found in the Andes and in Australia. [8] It has been known to grow upon wood occasionally. Pseudephebe pubescens tends to be in more temperate environments than P. minuscula.
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