Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka

Phaeophyscia
shadow lichens
Teloschistales Physciaceae
28
Phaeophyscia is a genus characteristic of cool wet temperate areas and montane
rainforests in tropical and subtropical areas. They are epiphytes, and grow on
bark, wood or rocks of all type. This genus includes rather small foliose lichens
with olive to brown, yellowish thalli that have radiating lobes, and a black
rhizinate lower surface.
Only Phaeophyscia hispidula, which is a new record for Sri Lanka with very
restricted distribution in montane areas, included here was observed. Other
species which have not yet been observed could occur with a distinct preference
for particular montane communities. This species usually grows on mature,
mossy trunks.
The closely related genus Physcia can often be confused with Phaeophyscia.
Species of Physcia all contain atranorin, (K+ yellow) in the upper cortex and,
except for few sub-tropical species, lack rhizines on the apothecial margins.
Physciaceae
Apothecia laminal, lecanorine, mostly rhizinate at base, greyish to reddish disc
brown to black; Asci: 8-spored; Spores: brown, 2-celled, unevenly thickened
walls.
Chemistry Negative reactions in cortex and medulla (if any species have
pigmented medulla orange or red it will give K+ red purple reaction).
Phaeophyscia hispidula Whiskered shadow lichens
SL
Description Fruticose. The thallus is corticolous, and pale greyish brown or
yellow brown with, relatively broad lobes, rather concave tips, and a white
medulla. Soredia are present mainly on the margins and lobe surface. The lower
surface is black. Black rhizines are abundant and long, projecting beyond the
lobes, and often coalesce in to a mat, and appear as a fringe of “whiskers” when
viewed from above. Apothecia are not observed on the Sri Lankan material.
R
Fr
Physciaceae
Status This rare species can be easily found as it forms a large colony on the
mature trunks of trees in shaded interiors. New record for Sri Lanka.
Habitat Mostly restricted to humid high elevation forests above 1200 m.
Locations Horton Plains and Hakgala strict nature reserve.
126 Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka
Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka 127