Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka

Fo
C
Coccocarpia erythroxyli fruiting shell lichen
Coccocarpia pellita
C
Fo
Coccocarpiaceae
Description The thallus is foliose, wide, lobulate, and grey to whitish grey.
Species present in shaded habitats and can be sometimes seen as bluish black.
Isidia are absent. The lower surface is pale to black. Rhizines are pale to black.
Apothecia are not seen in Sri Lankan material.
Status This common species is widespread and very variable. It is always seen on
the mature trunks of trees in shady interiors or open rocky substrates.
Habitat Mostly found in humid mid elevation to high elevation forests above
700m. Even found in disturbed sites and amidst man-made vegetation types.
Common in home gardens in high elevation areas.
Locations Central highlands, high elevation wet zone forests and along rocky
stream margins.
Description The thallus is foliose, wide, often thin and fragile. Grey to whitish
grey when dry and yellowish to bluish grey when wet. Species present in shaded
habitats can be sometimes bluish black. The lower surface is dull blackish to
black. Flattened isidia are present. Rhizines are pale to black. Apothecia are not
seen. The main characteristic relevant to identifying this species is its flattened
isidia.
Status Always seen on mature trunks of trees in shady interiors and rarely on
mossy rocks.
Habitat Mostly found in humid high elevation forests above 1200 m, and forestdwelling
species.
Locations Restricted to the central highlands. This species was seen in a few
places along the Nuwara Eliya - Pattipola road that goes up to Horton Plains.
Coccocarpiaceae
62 Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka
Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka 63