Rediscovery of Neuropogon lambii

Abstract

Neuropogon lambii, previously known only from the type collection from Mount Rainier, Washington, is reported from Glacier Peak, Washington, and its habitat is described for the first time. Neuropogon lambii Imshaug was described (Imshaug, 1954) from a single specimen collected at Yakima Park, Mount Rainier, Washington, in 1942, by P. F. Scholander (FH). Later attempts to find the population (Imshaug, 1957) were unsuccessful. Imshaug concluded that the lichen probably did not occur in Yakima Park proper but more likely would be found on some alpine ridge nearby. The extraordinary occurrence of Neuropogon far south of the Arctic Circle in North America makes this species a phytogeographical celebrity. Its rediscovery is reported here. Recently Mrs. Patricia Armstrong of the Morton Arboretum, Lisle, Illinois, sent me a small parcel of lichens for identification. Among these was a specimen, consisting of a single tuft (the plant was so rare that the collector refrained from taking more) of Neuropogon lambii. Fortunately, she was able to obtain from the collector the exact details of the locality and habitat in the Northern Cascades, where the species occurs in a remote alpine area reached only by a 10-mile hike. The new locality is about 90 miles NE of the type locality. The new information concerning altitude and habitat should encourage lichenologists to rediscover the type locality on Mount Rainier. U.S.A. WASHINGTON. SNOHOMISH Co.: Disappointment Peak, a minor crest of Glacier Peak on its south slope, due east of Darrington, Glacier Peak Wilderness Area, ca. 2600 m; on large talus boulders on the upper windswept slopes of the mountain, September 1972, Wason 671 (COLO).