Usnea spp. #

Taxa #

Usnea angulata, Usnea barbata, Usnea cavernosa, Usnea ceratina, Usnea cornuta, Usnea cylindrica, Usnea dasopoga, Usnea diffracta, Usnea flavocardia, Usnea fragilescens, Usnea glabrata, Usnea glabrescens var. fulvoreagens, Usnea glabrescens var. glabrescens, Usnea hesperina, Usnea hirta, Usnea longissima, Usnea pacificana, Usnea perplexans, Usnea scholanderi, Usnea silesiaca, Usnea subfloridana, Usnea substerilis, Usnea trichodea (Spribille et al. 2023)

Organization #

Hair & Shrub-Like Lichens, Parmeliaceae

Identification #

This genus is very diverse in Alaska and many species are morphologically similar, best separated by chemical tests and microscopy if not genetic methods. The genus can be easily distinguished with the fishbone appearance which has branchlets perpendicular to main branches. Branches cylindrical in cross section (except U. angulata) separates from similar genera like Ramalina and Niebla which are more ribbon-like or irregular. The main stems can also be broken open and gently pulled apart to reveal an elastic central cord.

Substrate #

Corticolous, lignicolous, and saxicolous

Notes #

Some species can be easily distinguished from others such as the Methuselah’s Beard Lichen, Usnea longissima, with its long, draping, pendulous, tinseling habit from trees.

Photos #