Taxon Report

Sulcaria isidiifera Brodo

splitting yarn lichen

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Taxon Summary

Sulcaria isidiifera, commonly known as splitting yarn lichen, is a fruticose lichen (epiphytic) in the Alectoriaceae that is found only in California. It occurs within Coastal scrub, growing at elevations from 20 to 30 meters. Sulcaria isidiifera is ranked 1B.1, Plants Rare, Threatened or Endangered in California and Elsewhere; Seriously threatened in California.


  Classification

Scientific Name:
Sulcaria isidiifera Brodo
Common Name:
splitting yarn lichen
Family: Alectoriaceae
Element Code: NLTEST0020
USDA Plants Symbol: SUIS
Synonyms/Other Names:

Ecology and Life History

Lifeform: fruticose lichen (epiphytic)
Blooming Period:
Elevation: 20-30 (65-100)
General Habitats: Coastal scrub
Microhabitat:
Microhabitat Details: On branches of oaks and shrubs

Occurrence Data from the CNDDB

Total Occurrences: 9
Element Occurrence Ranks:
   Excellent (A) 0
   Good (B) 2
   Fair (C) 0
   Poor (D) 0
   None (X) 0
   Unknown (U) 7
California Endemic:  True
California Counties and Islands: Name (Code)
San Luis Obispo (SLO)
Quads: Name (Quad Code)
Morro Bay South (3512037)

Threat List Data from the CNDDB

Threat List Total: 4
EOs with Threat Listed: Total EOs % of EOs
3 33 %
Development 3 33%
Improper burning regime 2 22%
Over-collecting/poaching 2 22%
Other 1 11%

Notes

Threatened by coastal development, alteration of fire regimes, and over-collecting. Portions of populations have been extirpated due to historical residential development. See Bulletin of the California Lichen Society 14(2):45-47 (2007) for CALS Conservation Committee sponsorship.
Threats:
Taxonomy:
Citation California Native Plant Society, Rare Plant Program. 2025. Rare Plant Inventory (online edition, v9.5.1). Website https://www.rareplants.cnps.org [accessed 8 February 2025].