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Roch Gnome Lichen in NCRock Gnome Lichen in North Carolina

Rock Gnome Lichen
Gymnoderma lineare

Status:  Endangered

Family:  Reindeer Moss

Flowering/Fruiting Dates:  July- September

Habitat:  On rocks in areas of high humidity either at high elevations (usually vertical cliff faces) or on boulders & large rock outcrops in deep river gorges at lower elevations.

Distinguishing Characteristics:  Grows in dense colonies of narrow (.04 inch) straps that are blue-grey on the upper surface and generally shiny-white on the lower surface: near the base they grade to black (the similar species of squamulose Cladonias are never blackened toward the base). Fruiting bodies are borne at the tips of the straps & are black (similar Cladonia species have brown or red fruiting bodies).

Threats:  Trampling commercial residential and recreational development; possibly air pollution; collection; coniferous forest decline.

Species Distribution from known occurrences. Species may occur in similar habitats in other counties.Green counties indicate observed within 20 years. Yellow counties indicate an obscure data reference to the species in the county. Red counties indicate observed more than 20 years ago.

Species Distribution of Rock Gnome Lichen

Species Location Map based on information provided by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Program.
For additional information regarding this Web page, contact Carolyn Wells, in Asheville, NC, at carolyn_wells@fws.gov

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