Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Usnea hirta (L.) F.H. Wigg.
Bristly Beard Lichen
Usnea hirta differs from both U. cirrosa and U. arizonica in that it does not have apothecia. The branches are ridged in cross section, and densely covered in isidia. Isidia are small asexual propagules that are outgrowths from the thallus. The isidia contain the mycobiont and the photobiont a well a cortical covering. Usnea hirta is found most commonly growing on bark.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Usnea hirta, growing on Pinus edulis, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, April 2, 2018
Usnea hirta, lab specimen, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, April 2, 2018
Usnea hirta, photomicrograph of branch densely covered with isidia, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, April 2, 2018
Usnea hirta, photomicrograph of cross section of branch with ridge and many isidia, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, April 2, 2018
Usnea hirta, photomicrograph of single isidium, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, April 2, 2018
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