Genus
Sticta (Moon lichens)
Sticta limbata. Photo: (c) JJ Johnson, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Sticta is a genus of lichens in the family Lobariaceae. The genus has a widespread distribution, especially in tropical areas, and includes about 114 species. These lichens have a leafy appearance, and are colored brown or black. Sticta species with cyanobacteria as photobionts can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, and due to their relative abundance and high turnover, they contribute appreciably to the rainforest ecosystem. They are commonly called spotted felt lichens.
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