Phytogeography and ecology of the lichen family Cladoniaceae in southwestern Alberta

Abstract

Forty-two species of the genera Cladonia and Baeomyces in the lichen family Cladoniaceae are reported from a 13 400 km2 area in the mountains and foothills of southwestern Alberta. Thirteen of the species are new to Alberta. The distribution and habitats occupied by each of the species are described. The following North American distribution elements are represented: Arctic–Boreal, 48%; Boreal, 26%; Arctic–Alpine, 10%; Temperate, 5%; Arctic–Temperate, 5%; Boreal–Temperate, 2%,; Temperate–Tropic, 2%; and Pan North American, 2%. Only one of the species is endemic to North America.