Black-eyed Rosette Lichen
Physcia phaea
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Hans Ritter, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Hans Ritter
Overview
The Black-eyed Rosette Lichen (Physcia phaea) is a foliose lichen species characterized by its distinctive rosette-like growth pattern and dark, eye-like reproductive structures (apothecia) that contrast against its grayish thallus. This epiphytic lichen forms circular patches on tree bark and plays an important ecological role in nutrient cycling and providing microhabitat for invertebrates.
Black-eyed Rosette Lichen faces severe decline primarily due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter its substrate chemistry and disrupt its symbiotic relationship. Habitat loss from urbanization and agricultural intensification has eliminated many suitable sites, while climate change is shifting precipitation patterns and temperature regimes beyond the species' tolerance limits.
Habitat
Physcia phaea grows primarily on the bark of mature deciduous trees, particularly favoring species with neutral to slightly basic bark pH such as ash, maple, and oak. It typically occurs in areas with high humidity and clean air, often found in old-growth forests and well-established parklands with minimal atmospheric pollution.
Other threatened species in Physciaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is Black-eyed Rosette Lichen classified as Endangered?
Where does Black-eyed Rosette Lichen live?
What are the main threats to Black-eyed Rosette Lichen?
Get weekly conservation intelligence
One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.
Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.