Stereocaulon paschale is a species of lichen belonging to the family Stereocaulaceae.[1]
It has a cosmopolitan distribution.[1]
In Iceland, it has the conservation status of a vulnerable species (VU).[2]
Ecology
Stereocaulon paschale is host to some lichenicolous fungi which infect various parts of the thallus. Most of these fungi have a Holarctic distribution. These fungi include:[3]
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Arthonia stereocaulina, Infects the phyllocladia but rarely causes disease.
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Catillaria stereocaulorum, Mainly infects the phyllocladia, which can become swollen and dark. It is common in the Arctic.
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Cercidospora stereocaulorum, Infects phyllocladia and sometimes on stems, cephalodia and apothecia.
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Endococcus nanellus, Infects phyllocladia and sometimes on stems, cephalodia and apothecia. Often found in discolored apothecia but does probably not cause the discoloration.
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Lasiosphaeriopsis stereocaulicola, Usually found at the stem base which can turn brown but no other symptoms are known.
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Lichenopeltella stereocaulorum, Most often found on stems. This species was only discovered in 2010.
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Opegrapha stereocaulicola, Infects stems which may become darker.
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Phaeosporobolus alpinus, Commensal. Most commonly found on species of Pertusaria or Ochrolechia.
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Polycoccum trypethelioides, Produces galls on stem which change colour with time turning cinnamon colour or brown.
References