Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka

Sq
R
IC
Phyllopsora furfuracea
Phyllopsora kiiensis
IC
R
Sq
Ramalinaceae
Description The thallus is partly formed of minute areolae which often fuse
and form a continuous pale green to dark green crust. Isidia develop directly
from the prothallus. Isidia are often dominating. The prothallus is indistinct to
well developed and white to reddish brown. Apothecia are not seen in Sri Lankan
material.
Chemistry Chemotype 1: furfuraceic acid; Chemotype 2: no lichen substances.
Status This species is Pantropical. New record for the Indian sub continent
and Sri Lanka.
Habitat Found in humid rain forest and humid sub montane areas.
Description The thallus has squamules that are medium sized, adnate, and pale
green. Isidia are usually abundant, attached marginally to the squamules, often
long, and simple to slightly branched. This species can be easily identified due
to its well developed, reddish brown prothallus. Apothecia are not seen in Sri
Lankan material.
This species resembles Phyllopsora corallina, but contains furfuraceic acid like
Phyllopsora furfuracea. It differs from the latter in forming a squamulose, not
areolate, thallus.
Status Recorded from Japan, Kenya, Tanzania, and Australia. New record for the
Indian sub continent and Sri Lanka.
Ramalinaceae
Locations Avissawella, Nawalapitiya and Hatton.
Habitat Found in dry to humid rain forest.
Locations Ratnapura and Mathugama.
132 Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka
Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka 133