Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka

Fo
C
Parmotrema mellissii
Parmotrema tinctorum Palm ruffle lichens
VC
Fo
Parmeliaceae
Description Foliose. The thallus is corticolous and loosely adnate. Lobes are wide,
crenate or dissected, and ciliate. The upper surface is pale grey to whitish grey or
green grey, dull and fissured with the older parts flaking off. The medulla is white,
with patches of yellow- brown to orange-brown. Isidiate or sorediate, especially
near the lobe margins. Sometimes isidia or soredia can be submarginal. The
lower surface is centrally black, and the narrow marginal zone is brown to white
mottled, and nude. Rhizines simple, slender, long, and form scattered groups.
Chemistry Cortex K+ yellow, Medulla (white part) K-, C-. KC+ red, PD-. Medulla
(pigmented part) K+ purple.
Status Common species. Mostly seen on the mature bark of trees in shaded
interiors, or rarely growing on moist rocky substrates.
Habitat Found in humid mid elevation to high elevation forests above 800 m.
Locations Central highlands, wet zone high elevation forests and along the
rocky stream margins of sub montane and montane forests.
Description Foliose. The thallus is loosely adnate, corticolous or saxicolous and
large (even up to 20 cm across). Most conspicuous species of this genus in Sri
Lanka. The lobes are broad and wide (10-20-30 mm). Lobes do not have marginal
cilia, but are covered with granular to cylindrical, branched isidia. The dull upper
surface varies from pale grey to darker grey. The lower surface is centrally black,
with a very broad tan to brown naked edge.
Chemistry Cortex K+ yellow, Medulla PD-, K-, KC+ red, C+ blood red. This lichen
is easily identified by the broad, pale isidiate lobes and C+ red reaction.
Status Very common species in Sri Lanka. On mature bark of trees and on rocks
in all sorts of habitats. Cosmopolitan, and widespread throughout the tropical
and temperate regions.
Habitat Common on bark. In humid mid elevation to high elevation forest
above 600 m.
Locations Avissawella to Hatton, Kegalle to Kandy, abundant in the central
highlands, Matale, Knuckles, Horton Plains, Pidurutalagala, Sabaragamuwa hill
range, Ratnapura, Haputale, Bandarawela, Badulla and Nuwara Eliya.
Parmeliaceae
124 Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka
Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka 125