brunskaftad blekspik
Sclerophora farinacea
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Samuel Brinker, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Samuel Brinker
Overview
Sclerophora farinacea is a small stalked lichen characterized by its distinctive pale, powdery appearance and brownish-black stalks that give it its Swedish name 'brunskaftad blekspik' (brown-stalked pale pin). This cryptogamic species plays an important ecological role in nutrient cycling and provides microhabitat for invertebrates in forest ecosystems.
Brunskaftad blekspik faces significant threats from habitat degradation and loss of suitable substrate trees due to forestry practices and urban development. Air pollution and acid rain have reduced the availability of appropriate bark surfaces with the specific chemical conditions this lichen requires for growth and reproduction.
Habitat
This crustose lichen grows on the bark of deciduous trees, particularly favoring smooth-barked species like beech, maple, and ash in mature forests and parklands. It requires trees with specific bark chemistry and is typically found in areas with moderate humidity and limited air pollution.
Other threatened species in Coniocybaceae
Frequently asked questions
Why is brunskaftad blekspik classified as Vulnerable?
Where does brunskaftad blekspik live?
What are the main threats to brunskaftad blekspik?
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