Synonyms: Anaptychia echinata, Parmelia echinata.
Common name: flowering fringe lichen.
Heterodermia echinata is a foliose lichen species characterized by its rounded to irregularly shaped lobes, 1-5 mm wide, with a greyish-green to yellowish-green upper surface and a white to tan lower surface. It has simple rhizines on the underside and contains usnic acid, resulting in a K+ yellow reaction. In East and Central Texas, Heterodermia echinata is commonly found growing on trees, shrubs, and rock outcrops, particularly in areas with full sun to partial shade and moderate to high humidity. It tends to thrive in regions with mild winters and hot summers, and can be abundant in urban and rural landscapes, often forming dense colonies on suitable substrates.
Flowering fringe lichen (Heterodermia echinata) on a fallen oak twig in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 22, 2019
Flowering fringe lichen (Heterodermia echinata) on a fallen oak twig at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 25, 2019
Flowering fringe lichen (Heterodermia echinata) on a fallen oak twig in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, February 3, 2019
Raccoon Run, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Flowering fringe lichen (Heterodermia echinata) on small trees or bushes in half-open area at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, December 21, 2019805 Lakeview Ln, Somerville, TX 77879, USA
Flowering fringe lichen (Heterodermia echinata) on a twig of small trees or bushes in half-open area at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, December 21, 2019805 Lakeview Ln, Somerville, TX 77879, USA
Flowering fringe lichen (Heterodermia echinata) on a fallen twig taken from Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, September 26, 2021
Flowering fringe lichen (Heterodermia echinata) on a twig of upland swamp-privet bush at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, December 20, 2021Lakeview Drive, Burleson County, Texas, United States
Spores (in KOH) of flowering fringe lichen (Heterodermia echinata) from a fallen oak twig (no picture of the lichen was taken), collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, April 1, 2023
Large asco-spores of flowering fringe lichen (Heterodermia echinata) from a fallen oak twig, collected on Caney Creek Trail (Little Lake Creek Loop Trail) in Sam Houston National Forest north from Montgomery. Texas, April 1, 2023Observations of Heterodermia echinata in East and Central Texas reveal its presence on various substrates. The species was found on fallen oak twigs in Lick Creek Park, College Station, and Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. It also grows on small trees or bushes in half-open areas, as seen at Lake Somerville Trailway. Additionally, it was observed on a twig of upland swamp-privet bush at the same location. The lichen was collected from Caney Creek Trail in Sam Houston National Forest, where its spores were examined under KOH, revealing large asco-spores. These observations suggest that Heterodermia echinata is widely distributed in East and Central Texas, tolerating various environments and substrates. Its presence was documented throughout the year, from January to April, indicating its adaptability to different seasons.
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