Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka

Fo
R
Heterodermia hypochraea
Heterodermia isidiophora
C
Fo
Physciaceae
Description Foliose. Lobes are slightly disjunct, convex, and ascending, with
short lateral branches. The upper surface is whitish greenish grey and is uneven
in thickness. The lower surface is yellow to orange. Isidia and soredia are absent.
Apothecia are apically (tip) or subapically stipitate (stipe / stalk of anascomata,
having a stipe or a stipes), margin of the thalline exciple is lobulate, inner surface
of lobules pigmented. (refer the 2 nd picture).
Status Rare. This species is restricted to few localities in Sri Lanka.
Habitat Corticolous, seen on twigs in both humid and dry conditions. Above
1000m, in wet upper montane forests.
Locations Fishing hut - Peak Wilderness and Hunuwala Kanda- Matale district.
Description Foliose. The thallus is corticolous and branched. The lobes are wide.
The upper surface is greyish white, densely isidiate. Lower surface has a cortex
and rhizines. Apothecia are not found in Sri Lankan material.
Status Common species.
Habitat Found mostly on bark, but has also been occasionally observed on
rocks. Above 900 m, in submontane to upper montane forests. Seen in moist,
humid conditions.
Locations Knuckles mountain region, Pattipola, Unulugala mountain peak,
Fishing hut, Peak wilderness, and Kabaragala mountain.
Physciaceae
86 Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka
Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka 87