bleikkorkje
Ochrolechia pallescens
Ochrolechia pallescens is a crustose lichen species characterized by its pale, whitish to cream-colored thallus that forms thin, smooth crusts on substrates. This lichen plays an important ecological role as a pioneer species in harsh environments and contributes to soil formation and nutrient cycling in its ecosystems.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Melissa Hutchison, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), uploaded by Melissa Hutchison
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Lecanoromycetes
Order
Pertusariales
Family
Ochrolechiaceae
Genus
Ochrolechia
bleikkorkje belongs to the family Ochrolechiaceae, order Pertusariales, within the Lecanoromycetes class.
Species Profile
Ochrolechia pallescens is a crustose lichen species characterized by its pale, whitish to cream-colored thallus that forms thin, smooth crusts on substrates. This lichen plays an important ecological role as a pioneer species in harsh environments and contributes to soil formation and nutrient cycling in its ecosystems.
Ochrolechia pallescens faces severe decline primarily due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter the chemical composition of its substrate. Habitat loss from urbanization and changes in forest management practices have further reduced suitable environments for this sensitive lichen species.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Ochrolechia pallescens typically grows on acidic rock surfaces, particularly on siliceous stones and boulders in exposed montane and subalpine environments. The species is often found on weathered granite, quartzite, and similar hard rock substrates in areas with clean air and minimal human disturbance.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Ochrolechia pallescens faces severe decline primarily due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter the chemical composition of its substrate. Habitat loss from urbanization and changes in forest management practices have further reduced suitable environments for this sensitive lichen species.
Air pollution and nitrogen deposition
Habitat loss from urbanization
Changes in forest management practices
Climate change affecting substrate conditions
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). bleikkorkje (Ochrolechia pallescens). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/bleikkorkje