Synonyms: Arthonia vulgaris, Collema auriculatum, Collema ceranoides, Collema concinnum, Collema confertum, Collema crispum, Collema cristatellum, Collema granosum, Collema pulposulum, Collema pulposum, Collema subcorallinum, Collema tenax, Collema turgidum, Collemodium confertum, Eucollema ceranoides, Eucollema concinnum, Eucollema pulposum, Eucollema tenax, Gabura pulposa, Lempholemma confertum, Leptogium cristatellum, Leptogium palmatum, Lichen furvus, Lichen pulposus, Lichen tenax, Parmelia pulposa, Parmelia tenax, Physma confertum.
Common name: soil jelly lichen.
Enchylium tenax is a species of squamulose lichen that grows on soil, rocks, and tree trunks. In East and Central Texas, it typically forms small, scattered patches or mats, often in areas with full sun to partial shade. The thallus is usually grayish-green to brownish-gray, composed of minute, scale-like squamules that are tightly appressed to the substrate. Apothecia are rare, but when present, they are reddish-brown to dark brown, immersed to slightly raised, and 0.1-0.5 mm in diameter. This lichen is commonly found on calcareous soils, rocky outcrops, and deciduous tree trunks in the region, particularly in areas with low to moderate vegetation cover.
Soil jelly lichen (Enchylium tenax, Collema tenax) with moss on a trodden path in David E. Schob Nature Preserve at 906 Ashburn Street. College Station, Texas, January 15, 2019
Schob Nature Preserve, 906 Ashburn Ave, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Close up of soil jelly lichen (Enchylium tenax, Collema tenax) on a trodden path in David E. Schob Nature Preserve at 906 Ashburn Street. College Station, Texas, January 15, 2019Schob Nature Preserve, 906 Ashburn Ave, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Tar-jelly lichen (Enchylium tenax, Collema tenax) on a trodden path in David E. Schob Nature Preserve at 906 Ashburn Street. College Station, Texas, January 15, 2019Schob Nature Preserve, 906 Ashburn Ave, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Tar-jelly lichen (Enchylium tenax, Collema tenax) with moss on a trodden path in David E. Schob Nature Preserve at 906 Ashburn Street. College Station, Texas, January 15, 2019Schob Nature Preserve, 906 Ashburn Ave, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Brown disks of apothecia of tar-jelly lichen (Enchylium tenax, Collema tenax) on a trodden path in David E. Schob Nature Preserve at 906 Ashburn Street. College Station, Texas, January 15, 2019Schob Nature Preserve, 906 Ashburn Ave, College Station, TX 77840, USAObservations of Enchylium tenax in East and Central Texas reveal that the species thrives on trodden paths, often coexisting with moss. The lichen was found on a path in David E. Schob Nature Preserve in College Station, Texas, where it formed distinct growths. Close-up observations showed the characteristic jelly-like appearance of the lichen. The species was also observed to produce brown disks of apothecia, indicating reproductive activity. The presence of Enchylium tenax on disturbed soil suggests that it is tolerant of foot traffic and can colonize areas with compacted soil. Additionally, its association with moss indicates a possible symbiotic relationship or shared environmental preferences. Overall, the observations highlight the adaptability and unique characteristics of Enchylium tenax in East and Central Texas environments. The lichen's growth habits and reproductive structures were well-documented in these observations.
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