Foliicolous Lichens Research Articles

Distribution of Foliicolous Lichen Strigula and Genetic Structure of S. multiformis on Jeju Island, South Korea.

Strigula is a pantropic foliicolous lichen living on the leaf surfaces of evergreen broadleaf plants. In South Korea, Strigula is the only genus of foliicolous lichen recorded from Jeju Island. Several Strigula species have been recorded, but the ecology of Strigula in South Korea has been largely unexplored. This study examined the distribution and genetic structure of Strigula on Jeju Island. The distribution was surveyed and the influence of environmental factors (e.g., elevation, forest availability, and bioclimate) on the distribution was analyzed using a species distribution modeling analysis. In addition, the genetic variations and differentiation of Strigula multiformis populations were analyzed using two nuclear ribosomal regions. The distribution of Strigula was largely restricted to a small portion of forest on Jeju Island, and the forest availability was the most important factor in the prediction of potential habitats. The genetic diversity and differentiation of the S. multiformis population were found to be high and were divided according to geography. On the other hand, geographic and environmental distance did not explain the population differentiation. Distribution and population genetic analysis suggested that the available habitat and genetic exchange of Strigula on Jeju Island are limited by the lack of available forest in the lowlands.

Arthonia, Byssoloma, Calenia, Chroodiscus, Coenogonium, Eremothecella, and Semigyalecta spp. new to China

Ten foliicolous lichens are newly reported for China—Arthonia accolens, A. cyanea, A. palmulacea, Byssoloma annuum, B. subleucoblepharum, Calenia lueckingii, Chroodiscus argillaceus, Coenogonium minimum, Eremothecella macrosperma, and Semigyalecta paradoxa. Except for C. minimum collected from Guangxi Province, these species were collected from a rain forest in Hainan Province. Descriptions and photos of the ten species and comments are provided.

Diversity of foliicolous lichens in Shivamogga district, Karnataka

Foliicolous lichens are one of the poorly documented groups of organisms found exclusively in evergreen forests. Very few works have been done on this group of lichens in the state of Karnataka. Hence, the present study is carried out to document the diversity of foliicolous lichens in evergreen, shola and semi-evergreen forest patches of Shivamogga district, Karnataka. Thirty-three species of foliicolous lichens are documented in the present study belonging to 16 genera and nine families. Among them Porina multiloculata, P. epiphylla, P. karnatakensis and Tricharia allostrigosa are the most dominant species. Whereas, Mazosia bambusae, Porina nitidula, P. semecarpi, P. microcarpa and Tapellaria phyllophila are less dominant species. Calamus thwaitesii supports wide range of foliicolous lichens. Cinnamomum macrocarpum, Dimocarpus longan, Memecylon malabaricum and Pinanga dicksonii are the other important plant species commonly supporting the foliicolous lichens in the study area. In the selected small study area, we are able to document 33 species of epiphyllous lichens. More explorations may yield many additions to the present knowledge.

Billbuckia, a new name for Pocsia hom. illeg. (Sematophyllaceae, Bryophyta) versus Pocsia (Verrucariales, Ascomycota)

Carvalho-Silva, Câmara and Buck (in Carvalho-Silva et al. 2017) established, on molecular and morphological basis, that the species Donnellia matutina Buck (1993: 207) from Africa, does not belong to the Neotropical and polyphyletic Donnellia Austin (1880: 15), but represents an independent African genus and named it Pocsia Carvalho-Silva et al. (2017: 824). Incidentally, the generic name Pocsia Vězda (1975: 401) was already in use for a foliicolous lichen genus. Eight species of this genus had already been described from several locations on various continents, Tanzania and Zaire in Africa; Mexico and Brazil in America; and Lord Howe and Christmas Islands in Australia (Vězda 1975, 1982; McCarthy 1999, Lücking & Kalb 2000, Herrera-Campos & Lücking 2002). Therefore the name Pocsia given the second time became an illegitimate homonym and the creation of new generic and species names is necessary.

Notes on Foliicolous Lichens from Western Ghats Part of Goa, India

A total of 17 lichens growing over leaves in the forest of Goa are enumerated. Out of the total eight obligate (Coenogonium dilucidum, Fellhanera bouteillei, Mazosia phyllosema, Porina karnatakensis, P. nitidula, P. rufula, Strigula nitidula, S. phyllogena) and two facultative (Dirinaria confluens, Graphis pyrrhocheiloides) foliicolous species are recorded for the first time from Goa. A sterile specimen of Echinoplacais identified up to genus level based on thallus morphology and anatomical characters. Brief descriptions for the species new to Goa are provided.

Foliicolous lichens from Suriname and Guyana: new records and three new species

Sampling of foliicolous lichens by the first author in Suriname in 2014 resulted in 103 records of lichenized and lichenicolous fungi for Suriname, including 89 first records for the country and one undescribed species. Fieldwork in Guyana by the second author in 1992 and 1997 brought 29 new records, including a new chemical strain for Loflammea epiphylla and two undescribed species. A full list for Suriname is presented (130 taxa), the additions for Guyana are listed, and the new species Calenia surinamensis, Enterographa paruimae and Strigula transversoundulata are described.

Trichonectria calopadiicola sp. nov. (Hypocreales, Ascomycota): the second species of the family Bionectriaceae parasitic on foliicolous lichens discovered in Tanzania

Trichonectria calopadiicola, a new lichenicolous fungus from tropical Africa is described. The species is the second member of nectrioid fungi known as parasitic on foliicolous lichens. It is characterized by often aggregated, dark reddish brown, subglobose, richly setose perithecia, covered by obtuse, septate, thick-walled setae, and by hyaline, narrowly fusiform, 1-septate ascospores. The mycoparasite causes evident damages in the ascomata of its host.

Heveochlorella (Trebouxiophyceae): a little-known genus of unicellular green algae outside the Trebouxiales emerges unexpectedly as a major clade of lichen photobionts in foliicolous communities.

Foliicolous lichens are formed by diverse, highly specialized fungi that establish themselves and complete their life cycle within the brief duration of their leaf substratum. Over half of these lichen-forming fungi are members of either the Gomphillaceae or Pilocarpaceae, and associate with Trebouxia-like green algae whose identities have never been positively determined. We investigated the phylogenetic affinities of these photobionts to better understand their role in lichen establishment on an ephemeral surface. Thallus samples of Gomphillaceae and Pilocarpaceae were collected from foliicolous communities in southwest Florida and processed for sequencing of photobiont marker genes, algal cultivation and/or TEM. Additional specimens from these families and also from Aspidothelium (Thelenellaceae) were collected from a variety of substrates globally. Sequences from rbcL and nuSSU regions were obtained and subjected to Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian analyses. Analysis of 37 rbcL and 7 nuSSU algal sequences placed all photobionts studied within the provisional trebouxiophycean assemblage known as the Watanabea clade. All but three of the sequences showed affinities within Heveochlorella, a genus recently described from tree trunks in East Asia. The photobiont chloroplast showed multiple thylakoid stacks penetrating the pyrenoid centripetally as tubules lined with pyrenoglobuli, similar to the two described species of Heveochlorella. We conclude that Heveochlorella includes algae of potentially major importance as lichen photobionts, particularly within (but not limited to) foliicolous communities in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The ease with which they may be cultivated on minimal media suggests their potential to thrive free-living as well as in lichen symbiosis.

Notes on three new records of foliicolous lichens from Karnataka Western Ghats, India

The paper describes Bapalmuia palmuaris, Byssoloma leucoblepharum and Gyalectidium filicinum as a new record of foliicolous lichens from the Western Ghats parts of Karnataka, India. A brief taxonomic description, remarks, ecological notes and distribution details are provided.

The orientation of foliicolous lichen campylidia with respect to water runoff and its significance for propagule dispersal.

Some common leaf-dwelling lichen fungi produce asexual spores (conidia) within curved, dorsiventral structures called campylidia. Their shape and tendency to face in the same direction have generated speculation about how dispersal is accomplished. Here we tested the hypothesis that campylidia orient their spore-producing surface against runoff currents and examined the effects of hydration to better understand the spore dispersal mechanism. Palm leaves bearing lichens (Calopadia) were surveyed with a dissecting microscope for campylidia with fibrous debris entangled around the base. Where possible, the direction of runoff flow was inferred from the position of the entangled debris; the angle between this direction and that toward which the spore-producing side faced was calculated for 67 campylidia. Other fresh-collected campylidia were photographed in the air-dry state and again after hydration. Orientation of campylidia was strongly correlated with direction of runoff flow, such that the spore-producing side faced against oncoming runoff. Hydration of campylidia quickly resulted in swelling of the conidial mass beneath a thin flap of tissue covering the conidiogenous surface. The flap then bulged outward, exposing the conidial mass from above within its pocket-like compartment. Our results support previous contentions that water impact against campylidia is important in spore dispersal. However, the morphology of hydrated campylidia and their strong tendency to face upstream suggest that water currents impact laterally upon the thin tissue covering the hydrated conidial mass, thereby extruding spores apically. We contrast these findings with previous suggestions that campylidia act as splash cups.

Strigula sinoaustralis sp. nov. and three Strigula spp. new to China

A new foliicolous lichen is described from South China. Strigula sinoaustralis is most similar to S. concreta in ascospore dimensions but differs by its white-punctate thallus with entire margins and its longer asci. An analysis of its relationships based on molecular phylogeny is given. Strigula antillarum, S. laureriformis, and S. prasina are reported as new to China.

Contribution to the lichen flora of the Shakhe River valley (Krasnodar Territory, Western Transcaucasia)

A total of 138 species of lichens, lichenicolous and allied fungi are reported from broad-leaved forests with Buxus colchica from the Shakhe River valley in the Caucasus State Nature Reserve (Krasnodar Territory, Western Transcaucasia). The list includes 10 foliicolous lichens, namely Arthonia microsticta, Bacidina apiahica, Byssoloma leucoblepharum, Fellhanera bouteillei, F. viridisorediata, Gyalectidium caucasicum, G. setiferum, Phyllogyalidea phyllophila, Porina oxneri, Strigula buxi. On the thallus of the latter, a lichenicolous fungus Lambinonia strigulae was found. Nine species are recorded for the first time for the Russian Caucasus, five of them being new for the Caucasus. Endococcus ramalinarius, Eopyrenula septemseptata and Pyrenula subelliptica are reported for the first time for Russia. The list includes five species included in the Red Data Book of Russian Fеderation (2008) and ten species included in the Red Data Book of Krasnodar Territory (2007).

Foliicolous lichen collections on Mount Kanga, Tanzania (East Africa)

Abstract The Tanzanian Mt Kanga was at first visited by Tamas Pocs in 1987 when he collected foliicolous lichens in lowland rainforest between 800 and 900 m elevation and in submontane rainforest between 900 and 1,250 m. Later, in 1989 he returned there with participants of the Nguru Mts expedition, when the author collected further lichens including foliicolous ones in three different forest types (dry evergreen and semi-evergreen forest at 600–800 m, submontane rainforest at 850–1,200 m and rocky forest at 1,200–1,300 m). Altogether 37 species became known from the area. The comparison of collections revealed that submontane rainforests (including rocky forests) are the richest of the studied forest types in foliicolous lichens. Mt Kanga is characterised by rare species like Calopadia editae discovered by Antonin Vězda in material from Mt Kanga, described and validated in 2011 by Chaves and Lucking based on materials from Mt Kanga and Costa Rica. The new combination Brasilicia dimerelloides (Vězda) Fark...

Names of Bacidia s. l. in current use for foliicolous lichens – An annotated nomenclatural study

Abstract The checklist contains 135 names in current use for taxa of former Bacidia s. l. and 99 synonyms or invalid names. Place of description or new combination, basionym, synonyms, type, distribution is given for species. Type species, substrate, number of foliicolous species, systematic position, distribution is given for genera. Data are edited similarly with the online checklist on foliicolous lichens last updated by Lucking and his co-authors in 2000. The list contains the following 7 new combinations: Bacidina cinnamomea (Kremp.) Farkas, Bacidina clauzadei (Serus. et Lambinon) Farkas, Brasilicia foliicola (Vězda) Farkas, Brasilicia ituriensis (Vězda) Farkas, Brasilicia olivaceorufa (Vain.) Farkas, Brasilicia subsimilis (Vězda) Farkas, Szczawinskia permira (Vězda) Farkas. The genus Bacidia De Not. is excluded from the checklist of foliicolous lichens, as all of its former foliicolous species are now belonging to other genera. Current names are in the following 12 genera: Bacidina, Badimia, Badimie...

New records of lichens from Manipur State, North-eastern India

A total of 140 lichen species belonging to 50 genera and 23 families with 39 species recorded for the first time from the state of Manipur, Northeast India, being reported. Fourteen species are new additions to the lichen flora of Northeast India. The crustose morphotype (49% of the species found) dominated the area, followed by foliose (43%), dimorphic, fruticose, leprose and squamulose lichens, each contributing by 4%, 2%, 1% and 1% of the species found, respectively. Nine species of phorophytic foliicolous lichens that usually colonize live leaves were also encountered. The occurrence of foliicolous lichens is quite characteristic of species diversity and indicate rather high richness in this relatively small phytogeographical area. A brief note on the phytogeographic affinities and distribution of the newly recorded lichens in Manipur has been provided.

Notes and schedae to Lichenes Delicati Exsiccati Editae in memoriam Antonín Vězda (1920–2008), fasc. 4

Lichenes Delicati Exsiccati Editae of little, fine, special lichens is edited in honour of Antonin Vězda (1920–2008). The foliicolous lichens Coenogonium seychellense sp. n. and C. subdilucidum sp. n. were collected by Tamas Pocs, Fellhanera stanhopeae by Attila Borhidi, Lyromma dolicobelum of ascosporic state was found by Adam Flakus, Porina applanata by Paulina Bawingan. Other collections originate from the participants of the 20th NLF meeting 2013, Vadstena and surroundings — where Erik Acharius, the “father of lichenology” lived for decades. Several species collected by Laszlo Lőkős from Albania, Bulgaria and Montenegro. The fourth fascicle of the exsiccate is consisted of 15 species (including 3 lichenicolous fungi), distributed to 12 lichen herbaria of the world and dedicated to Robert Lucking’s 50th birthday.

Contributions to the lichen flora of Bermuda — Part I. New records, new combinations, and interesting collections of lichenized ascomycetes

The last account of the lichen flora of Bermuda was published nearly 100 years ago by Riddle (1916) and repeated in Waterston (1947). The spectrum of species from that time was found to be quite accurate though limited in number. The increasing number of species noted here is predominantly a result of taxonomic progress as well as targeted, intensive exploration of poorly known Bermudian ecosystems. 105 species are recorded as new to Bermuda, and two new combinations are made. Bacidina varia Ekman is synonymized with B. brittoniana (Riddle) LaGreca & Ekman, and Lecidea calignosa Stirton is synonymized with Malmidea vinosa (Eschw.) Kalb, Rivas Platas & Lumbsch. A key to Caloplaca spp. occurring in Bermuda is provided. The first records of foliicolous lichens of Bermuda are given.

Bibliography of foliicolous lichenized fungi, 1952–2013

The bibliography of foliicolous lichenised fungi is compiled, listing publications of the last 60 years following Santesson’s world monograph on the foliicolous lichens. It consists of 708 scientific papers, journal publications, books, posters, exsiccates, dissertation manuscripts.

Notes and schedae to Lichenes Delicati Exsiccati Editae. In memoriam Antonín Vězda (1920–2008), Fasc. 3

Lichenes Delicati Exsiccati Editae of little, fine, special lichens is edited in honour of Antonín Vězda (1920–2008). The foliicolous lichen Coenogonium usambarense was collected by Tamás Pócs, who contributed also often to Vězda’s exsiccates and celebrated his 80th birthday in 2013. Herpothallon hypoprotocetraricum was also collected in Africa during a field trip organised by him. It represents isotype material. The third fascicle of the exsiccate is consisted of 15 species and distributed to 12 lichen herbaria of the world.

The foliicolous lichen biota of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with the description of six new species

AbstractSix new species of foliicolous lichenized fungi are described as new to science from lowland rainforest in the Congo Basin: Bapalmuia serusiauxiana Van den Broeck, Lücking & Ertz (Pilocarpaceae) characterized by (7–)15(–19)-septate ascospores of (40–)50–65(–72)×1·5–2·5 μm, Microtheliopsis ramazaniana Van den Broeck, Lücking & Ertz (Microtheliopsidaceae) characterized by 1-septate ascospores of 13–16×3–5 μm, Phylloblastiaverheyeniana Van den Broeck, Lücking & Ertz (Verrucariaceae) characterized by 3-septate ascospores of 13–15(–17)×3·0–4·5 μm, Porina duduana Van den Broeck, Lücking & Ertz (Porinaceae) characterized by 3-septate ascospores of 11·0–14·5×2·5–3·0 μm, perithecia 130–150(–170) μm diam. and a photobiont with angular-rounded and irregularly arranged cells, Porina gryseelsiana Van den Broeck, Lücking & Ertz (Porinaceae) characterized by orange-brown perithecia and 7–9(–12)-septate ascospores of 29–46×5·0–7·5 μm, Porina weghiana Van den Broeck, Lücking & Ertz (Porinaceae) characterized by the presence of disc-shaped isidia, yellow perithecia without apical appendages and (7–)9-septate ascospores of 33–50×5·0–6·5 μm. In addition, 53 species new for the Democratic Republic of the Congo are listed, including five species new for tropical Africa and six new for the Palaeotropics, thus raising the number of species known from the Democratic Republic of the Congo from 150 to 209. Keys are presented to all known species of Microtheliopsis and to species of Porina with disc-shaped isidia.