Usnea trichodea
In this article we will explore the fascinating world of Usnea trichodea, a topic that has captured the attention of millions of people around the world. From its historical origins to its impact on modern society, Usnea trichodea has left an indelible mark on popular culture. Throughout these pages, we will delve into its different facets, discovering its relevance in fields as diverse as science, art, technology and politics. With exclusive interviews, in-depth analysis and interesting facts, this article will take you on an enriching journey through everything Usnea trichodea has to offer. Get ready to immerse yourself in an exciting universe full of surprises, because in these lines, Usnea trichodea will be the undisputed protagonist.
| Bony beard lichen | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Lecanorales |
| Family: | Parmeliaceae |
| Genus: | Usnea |
| Species: | U. trichodea
|
| Binomial name | |
| Usnea trichodea Ach. (1803)
| |
Usnea trichodea, commonly known as bony beard lichen,[2] is a pale straw-colored fruticose lichen with a pendant growth form. It grows on trees and is native to eastern North America.
Description
Usnea trichodea hangs from the branches and twigs of trees and can reach a length of 30 cm (12 in). The main branches are smooth and slender, with a diameter of less than 0.4 mm (0.02 in); they send out side-branches at an obtuse angle at intervals. The thallus is divided into articulating sections with raised cracks between; the medulla is dense and white while the axis is reddish-brown. It could be confused with Usnea longissima but the branching structure and reddish axis are distinctive.[3]
Distribution and habitat
Usnea trichodea occurs in eastern North America where it grows on trees. Its range extends from Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and eastern Quebec in Canada, southwards to Texas and Florida in the United States.[2]
Ecology
Some lichens are extremely sensitive to pollution, and it has been found that Usnea trichodea and Evernia spp. will sicken and die if exposed to sulphur dioxide. These lichens can be used as indicators of air pollution.[4]
Researchers found that in Nova Scotia, the tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), which roosts in tree foliage over much of its range, was roosting exclusively in the dangling thalli of Usnea trichodea; the lichen was typically growing on conifers, the majority of which were species of spruce.[5] The authors of the study speculated that the tricolored bats might use the lichen, which contains usnic acid, to reduce parasitism, as the bats were found to be free of ectoparasites.[5]
References
- ^ NatureServe. "Usnea trichodea". NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 12 November 2025.
- ^ a b "Usnea trichodea - Ach". NatureServe. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
- ^ Brodo, Irwin M.; Sharnoff, Sylvia Duran; Sharnoff, Stephen (2001). Lichens of North America. Yale University Press. p. 726. ISBN 978-0-300-08249-4.
- ^ Miller, G. Tyler (2006). Living in the Environment: Principles, Connections, and Solutions. Cengage Learning. p. 439. ISBN 1-111-79687-4.
- ^ a b Poissant, Joseph A.; Broders, Hugh G.; Quinn, Greg M. (2010). "Use of lichen as a roosting substrate by Perimyotis subflavus, the tricolored bat, in Nova Scotia". Écoscience. 17 (4): 372–378. Bibcode:2010Ecosc..17..372P. doi:10.2980/17-4-3352. S2CID 86543052.