Ever seen this in nature and asked yourself what it is? - francontrip
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Ever seen this in nature and asked yourself what it is?

If you are interested in lichens, you might want to learn more about Sticta, a genus of lichens that has some fascinating features and functions. In this blog post, I will share some interesting facts about Sticta lichens that you may not know.

Sticta lichens are also known as moon lichens or spotted felt lichens. They have a leafy appearance and are usually brown or black in color. They can grow on bark, wood, or mossy rock, and are mostly found in tropical areas, although some species can also live in temperate regions.

``Sticta`` is a genus of lichenized fungi, they are a unique type of organism that consists of a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga or a cyanobacterium.

One of the most remarkable things about Sticta lichens is that they can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere. This means that they can convert nitrogen gas into a form that can be used by plants and other organisms. This is possible because some Sticta species have a symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria, a type of bacteria that can perform photosynthesis and nitrogen fixation.

Nitrogen fixation is very important for the ecosystem, especially in rainforests where the soil is often poor in nutrients. Sticta lichens can enrich the soil with nitrogen and help other plants grow. They also provide food and shelter for many animals, such as insects, snails, slugs, and birds.

Another interesting fact about Sticta lichens is that they have a strong smell of shrimp or fish. This smell comes from a chemical compound called dimethyl sulfide (DMS), which is produced by the cyanobacteria in the lichen. DMS is also emitted by marine phytoplankton and has a role in regulating the climate by affecting cloud formation and precipitation.

Sticta lichens are also known for their bioactive compounds, which have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. For example, Sticta weigelii, a Hawaiian species, has been shown to have a high antioxidant activity that can protect cells from oxidative stress and damage. Sticta lichens have also been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, such as treating wounds, infections, coughs, and asthma.

Sticta lichens are very diverse and have about 114 species worldwide. Some of the most common species include Sticta carolinensis, Sticta fragilinata, Sticta fuliginosa, Sticta limbata, and Sticta sylvatica. Each species has its own characteristics and preferences for habitat and climate.

Sticta lichens are amazing organisms that deserve more attention and appreciation. They have many benefits for the environment and human health, and they are also beautiful and intriguing to look at. Next time you see a Sticta lichen, take a moment to admire its complexity and wonder.

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