# Pyxine subcinerea

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Species of lichen

Pyxine subcinerea Conservation status Apparently Secure (NatureServe)[1] Scientific classification Kingdom: Fungi Division: Ascomycota Class: Lecanoromycetes Order: Caliciales Family: Caliciaceae Genus: Pyxine Species: P. subcinerea Binomial name Pyxine subcinerea Stirt. (1898) Synonyms[2] Pyxine cocoes var. caesiopruinosa Tuck. (1869) Pyxine meissneri var. sorediosa Müll.Arg. (1879) Physcia melanenta C.Knight (1882) Pyxine sorediata f. caesiopruinosa (Tuck.) Hue (1900) Pyxine chrysanthoides Vain. (1915) Pyxine caesiopruinosa (Tuck.) Imshaug (1957)

***Pyxine subcinerea*** is a species of [foliose lichen](/source/Foliose_lichen) in the family [Caliciaceae](/source/Caliciaceae). It has a [pantropical](/source/Pantropical) distribution, and typically [grows on bark](/source/Corticolous_lichen), but less commonly [on rocks](/source/Saxicolous_lichen). The lichen is characterised by its yellow [medulla](/source/Medulla_(lichenology)), [soralia](/source/Soralia) on the margins on the lobes that make up the [thallus](/source/Thallus), and the presence of the chemical [lichexanthone](/source/Lichexanthone) in the [cortex](/source/Cortex_(botany)).

## Taxonomy

The lichen was first [formally described](/source/Species_description) by the Scottish scientist [James Stirton](/source/James_Stirton) from specimens collected in [Queensland, Australia](/source/Queensland%2C_Australia). He noted that its thallus was similar to that of *[Pyxine sorediata](/source/Pyxine_sorediata)*, but Stirton distinguished it from that species by the "internal organization of both the thallus and the apothecia", as well as the negative K reaction of the thallus, compared to the yellow reaction of *P. sorediata*.[3]

[Synonyms](/source/Synonym_(biology)) of *Pyxine subcinerea* include:[2] *Physcia melanenta*, described by [Charles Knight](/source/Charles_Knight_(doctor)) in 1882;[4] *Pyxine chrysanthoides*, described by [Edvard August Vainio](/source/Edvard_August_Vainio) in 1915 from material collected in the [Antilles](/source/Antilles);[5] *Pyxine meissneri* var. *sorediosa*, described by [Johannes Müller Argoviensis](/source/Johannes_M%C3%BCller_Argoviensis) in 1879;[6] and *Pyxine cocoes* var. *caesiopruinosa*, described by [Edward Tuckerman](/source/Edward_Tuckerman) in 1869[7] (and later promoted to distinct species status as *Pyxine caesiopruinosa* by [Henry Andrew Imshaug](/source/Henry_Andrew_Imshaug) in 1957).[8]

## Description

Closeup of lobes; the scale bar is 0.5 mm.

The [thallus](/source/Thallus) of *Pyxine subcinerea* is 3–8 cm (1.2–3.1 in) wide, with an upper surface ranging in colour from yellowish grey to grey to brownish grey or olive-grey. The lobes that comprise the thallus are 0.3–1.5 mm (0.01–0.06 in) wide, somewhat tightly apressed to the [substrate](/source/Substrate_(biology)) and are more or less flat but often somewhat concave near the tips. The lobe surface are [pruinose](/source/Pruinose), with the pruina resembling dense points near the lobe tips.[9] These pruina contain [weddellite](/source/Weddellite), a mineral form of [calcium oxalate](/source/Calcium_oxalate).[10] There are distinct [pseudocyphellae](/source/Pseudocyphella) at the margins of the lobes. The soralia are near the lobe margins. The [medulla](/source/Medulla_(lichenology)) is quite thin and yellow above. The lower surface is black in the centre, but becomes paler towards the margin. Rhizines are more or less dense, and divided into branches.[9] The upper [cortex](/source/Cortex_(botany)) is paraplectenchymatous (a cell arrangement where the [hyphae](/source/Hypha) are oriented in all directions), while the lower cortex is prosoplectenchymatous (a cell arrangement where the hyphae are all oriented in one direction).[11] [Apothecia](/source/Apothecia) (reproductive structures) are common in tropical and subtropical specimens; they measure 0.3–1.5 mm (0.01–0.06 in) wide and have an indistinct internal [stipe](/source/Stipe_(mycology)).[9] In contrast, apothecia are not typically associated with European material.[11] [Ascospores](/source/Ascospore) measure 13–22 by 6–9 [μm](/source/Micrometre). The [conidia](/source/Conidia) are [bacilliform](/source/Bacilliform), and measure 3–4 μm by about 1 μm.[9]

The [secondary chemical](/source/Secondary_metabolite) in *Pyxine subcinerea* is [lichexanthone](/source/Lichexanthone).[9] The presence of this compound results in a golden-yellow colour when illuminated with [UV light](/source/UV_light).[12] All [lichen spot tests](/source/Lichen_spot_test) are negative.[11]

## Habitat and distribution

*Pyxine subcinerea* has a mostly [pantropical](/source/Pantropical) distribution. Although it is generally found [growing on bark](/source/Corticolous_lichen), it has also been found [growing on rock](/source/Saxicolous_lichen),[11] and, in one instance, on [mortar](/source/Mortar_(masonry)).[12] In Europe, it has been reported from the [Azores](/source/Azores) and Italy.[11] It has been reported from Africa (Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, the Seychelles, Rwanda and Angola),[13] throughout Asia (including China),[14] Australia,[9] New Zealand,[15] In the eastern United States, its geographical range covers [subtropical](/source/Subtropical) to more [temperate](/source/Temperate) regions, including the states of [New York](/source/New_York_(state)), [Illinois](/source/Illinois), and [Ohio](/source/Ohio) to [Florida](/source/Florida), [Louisiana](/source/Louisiana), and [Texas](/source/Texas). *Pyxine subcinerea* has been recorded growing on [hornbeam](/source/Hornbeam), [hickory](/source/Hickory), [hibiscus](/source/Hibiscus), [juniper](/source/Juniper), [sweetgum](/source/Sweetgum), [magnolia](/source/Magnolia), [oak](/source/Oak), [locust](/source/Robinia), [elm](/source/Elm), and the genus *[Prunus](/source/Prunus)*. It tends to prefer low elevations, and occurs hardwood-[pine](/source/Pine) forests as well as more open areas including farms, glades, and gardens.[12]

*Pyxine subcinerea* is relatively resistant to [air pollution](/source/Air_pollution), and has been investigated for use as a candidate for [biomonitoring](/source/Biomonitor). It [bioaccumulates](/source/Bioaccumulation) toxic [heavy metals](/source/Heavy_metals) that it acquires from the air and retains the pollutants in the thallus, which can then be sampled and [assayed](/source/Assay) to determine their concentration.[16][17]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-NS_1-0)** [NatureServe](/source/NatureServe). ["*Pyxine subcinerea*"](https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.124919/). *NatureServe Explorer*. Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 5 November 2025.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Species_Fungorum_synonymy_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Species_Fungorum_synonymy_2-1) ["Synonymy: *Pyxine subcinerea* Stirt"](http://www.speciesfungorum.org/Names/SynSpecies.asp?RecordID=403622). [Species Fungorum](/source/Species_Fungorum). Retrieved 21 February 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Stirton_1897_3-0)** Stirton, J. (1897). ["A new classification of the genus *Pyxine*"](https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/25449751). *Transactions of the New Zealand Institute*. **30**: 393–398.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Knight_1882_4-0)** Knight, C. (1882). ["Contributions to the Lichenographia of New South Wales"](https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/784460). *Transactions of the Linnean Society of London*. 2nd Series. **2**: 37–51.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Vainio_1915_5-0)** Vainio, E.A. (1915). "Additamenta ad lichenographiam Antillarum illustrandum". *Annales Academiae Scientiarum Fennicae* (in Latin). **6** (7): 71.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Müller_1879_6-0)** Müller, J. (1879). "Lichenologische Beiträge IX". *Flora (Regensburg)* (in Latin). **62** (19): 289–298.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Nylander_1869_7-0)** Nylander, W. (1869). *Synopsis Methodica Lichenum Omnium hucusque Cognitorum, Praemissa Introductione Lingua Gallica* (in Latin). Vol. 2. p. 2.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Imshaug_1957_8-0)** Imshaug, H.A. (1957). "The lichen genus *Pyxine* in North and Middle America". *Transactions of the American Microscopical Society*. **76** (3): 246–269. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2307/3223889](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F3223889). [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [3223889](https://www.jstor.org/stable/3223889).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Elix_2009_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Elix_2009_9-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Elix_2009_9-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Elix_2009_9-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Elix_2009_9-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Elix_2009_9-5) [Elix, John Alan](/source/John_Alan_Elix) (2009). "Physciaceae". *Flora of Australia*. Vol. 57. Canberra & Melbourne: CSIRO Publishing. p. 532. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-643-09664-6](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-643-09664-6).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Modenesi_et_al._2007_10-0)** Modenesi, P.; Bombardi, V.; Giordani, P.; Brunialti, G.; Corallo, A. (2007). "Dissolution of weddellite, calcium oxalate dihydrate, in *Pyxine subcinerea*". *The Lichenologist*. **33** (3): 261–266. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1006/lich.2001.0321](https://doi.org/10.1006%2Flich.2001.0321).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Moberg_1983_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Moberg_1983_11-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Moberg_1983_11-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Moberg_1983_11-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Moberg_1983_11-4) Moberg, R. (1983). "Studies on Physciaceae (Lichens) II. The genus *Pyxine* in Europe". *The Lichenologist*. **15** (2): 161–167. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1017/S0024282983000250](https://doi.org/10.1017%2FS0024282983000250).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Amtoft_2002_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Amtoft_2002_12-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Amtoft_2002_12-2) Amtoft, Anja (2002). ["*Pyxine subcinerea* in the Eastern United States"](http://curis.ku.dk/ws/files/33289617/Amtoft_2002_subcinerea.pdf) (PDF). *The Bryologist*. **105** (2): 270–272. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1639/0007-2745(2002)105\[0270:PSITEU\]2.0.CO;2](https://doi.org/10.1639%2F0007-2745%282002%29105%5B0270%3APSITEU%5D2.0.CO%3B2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Bock_et_al._2007_13-0)** Bock, Christina; Hauck, Markus; Fischer, Eberhard (2007). ["The lichen flora of Rwanda: an annotated checklist"](https://doi.org/10.3372%2Fwi.37.37216). *Willdenowia*. **37** (2): 563–575. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.3372/wi.37.37216](https://doi.org/10.3372%2Fwi.37.37216).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Yang_et_al._2019_14-0)** Yang, Mei-Xia; Wang, Xin-Yu; Liu, Dong; Zhang, Yan-Yun; Li, Li-Juan; Yin, An-Cheng; Scheidegger, Christoph; Wang, Li-Song (2019). ["New species and records of *Pyxine* (Caliciaceae) in China"](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6363720). *MycoKeys* (45): 93–109. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.3897/mycokeys.45.29374](https://doi.org/10.3897%2Fmycokeys.45.29374). [PMC](/source/PMC_(identifier)) [6363720](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6363720). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [30733639](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30733639).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Hayward_&_Hayward_1990_15-0)** Hayward, Bruce W.; Hayward, Glenys C. (1990). ["Lichens of Whale (Motuhora) and Rurima Islands, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand"](https://www.thebookshelf.auckland.ac.nz/docs/Tane/Tane-32/7%20Lichens%20of%20Whale%20Island.pdf) (PDF). *Tane*. **32**: 61–71.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Shukla_&_Upreti_2007_16-0)** Shukla, Vertika; Upreti, Dalip K. (2007). "Effect of metallic pollutants on the physiology of lichen, *Pyxine subcinerea* Stirton in Garhwal Himalayas". *Environmental Monitoring and Assessment*. **141** (1–3): 237–243. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/s10661-007-9891-z](https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10661-007-9891-z). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [17879139](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17879139).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Shukla_&_Upreti_2011_17-0)** Shukla, Vertika; Upreti, Dalip K. (2010). "Changing lichen diversity in and around urban settlements of Garhwal Himalayas due to increasing anthropogenic activities". *Environmental Monitoring and Assessment*. **174** (1–4): 439–444. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1007/s10661-010-1468-6](https://doi.org/10.1007%2Fs10661-010-1468-6). [PMID](/source/PMID_(identifier)) [20440642](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20440642).

Taxon identifiers Pyxine subcinerea Wikidata: Q10647739 Wikispecies: Pyxine subcinerea AusLichen: 30019603 CoL: 79293 GBIF: 2609306 iNaturalist: 229703 IndexFungorum: 403622 IRMNG: 10480036 ITIS: 191020 MycoBank: 403622 NatureServe: 2.124919 NCBI: 264714 NZOR: 929b5b57-60da-44de-a0d3-0e7f9389edb2 Open Tree of Life: 111231 PLANTS: PYSU6 SpeciesFungorum: 403622 TaiCOL: t0043600

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