#basidiolichen

Dictyonema barbatum

This unique basidiolichen (a lichenized basidiomycete fungus [less than 1% of lichens are basidiolichens])  was described in 2013 on the Galapagos islands! It  grows directly on tree bark, and forms those filamentous shelves which can be up to 60 cm across. These shelves are made up of loose, interwoven fibrils of dark green and teal, a thick cyanobacterial photobiont layer, and a white hypothallus all interwoven togetherinstead of in neat layers as most lichens are. The white hairs that give D. barbatum their beardy species name are fungal sheaths which lack that blue-green cyanobacterial photobiont. D. barbatum can be found in open areas, and is tolerant of high levels of light and heavy rain, and it has been found living on introduced cultivars like avacado trees and guava. I love the way that island ecosystem living can result in such interesting adaptations! Lichens are often overlooked in studies of biodiversity, so in rich tropical ecosystems they are often overlooked and under prioritized. So if you are feeling generous this holiday season, please consider donating to help Latinx lichenologists continue to study and find more amazing unique lichens like this one! 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/latin-lichenologists-at-ial9