Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka

Fo
C
Parmotrema cristiferum Unwhiskered ruffle lichens
Parmotrema latissimum
SL
VR
Fo
Parmeliaceae
Description Foliose. The thallus is adnate to loosely adnate, corticolous
becoming finely cracked on the surface of older central portions. Lobes are broad
and rounded, with fine soralia along the crinkled margins of the older lobes and
on the lateral lobes. The upper surface is pale grey to whitish, greenish grey, and
dull. The lower surface is centrally black, with a very broad brown naked edge.
Marginal cilia are absent or sparse, and very short.
Description Foliose. The thallus is corticolous. The lobes are eciliate (no cilia).
The upper surface is grey. Lacks isidia and soredia. The lower side is centrally
black, and the wide marginal zone is tan and nude. The medulla is white (when
observed with a hand lens). Apothecia are reddish orange brown.
Chemistry Medulla K+ yellow turning red, C-, PD+ orange-red.
Parmeliaceae
Chemistry Cortex K+ yellow, Medulla PD+ orange, K+ yellow turning red, KC-,C-.
P. gardneri is similar to P. cristiferum, but PD +red orange, K-. P. praesorediosum has
narrow lobes and is PD-.
Status This common species is seen on the mature bark of trees in sunlit habitats
in moist conditions. This species is cosmopolitan, and is widespread throughout
tropical and subtropical areas mainly as a corticolous species.
Habitat Mostly found in humid mid elevation to high elevation forest above
800 m.
Locations Nawalapitiya, Avissawella, some places in central highlands, Matale,
Knuckles mountains, Horton Plains and Nuwara Eliya.
Status This species occurs very rarely. Distributed in India, China, Central and
South America. New record for Sri Lanka.
Habitat Has only been observed once at an elevation of 840m.
Locations Close to Unulugala peak - Coolbone tea estate- Yatiyanthota.
122 Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka
Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka 123