Lichen

Description:

Parmelia: is a large genus of lichenized fungus with a global distribution, extending from the Arctic to the Antarctic continent but concentrated in temperate regions. 125 species have been recorded on the Indian sub-continent. Depending on whether the circumscription of the genus is considered in the narrow sense (sensu strico) or the broad sense (sensu lato), there are between 50 to 1322 species world wide. It is a foliaceous lichen, resembling a leaf in shape. In recent years, the genus Parmelia has been divided into a number of smaller genera according to thallus morphology Acarospora: is a genus of lichenized fungi in the family Acarosporaceae. The genus name is synonymous with Polysporinopsis Vezda. The genus has a widespread distribution, and contains about 128 species.

Habitat:

Parmelia: rocks along the shore of Lake Superior. In other parts of its range, it grows on north-facing cliffs near lakes or on exposed ridgetops in the mountains. Acarospora: This species grows on iron-rich rocks often containing iron-sulphides in nutrient poor habitats in acidic situations. Mine-spoil heaps and mineralized boulders in exposed situations are common locations.

Notes:

Took in Cahuacán, Estado de México