Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka

Fo
R
IC
Physcia krogiae
Physcia sorediosa
SL
RL
LC Fo
Physciaceae
Description Microfoliose. The thallus is closely adnate to the substrate. Lobes
up to 2-3 mm, flat, considerably branched, radiate, usually widening at the tips
and becoming lobulate. The upper surface is whitish bluish grey to grey, and
dull with a “frosty” surface, especially at the lobe margins. Extreme margins are
paler in colour and thus, more distinct. Soralia are laminal to marginal, mostly
forming large patches of soralia. The lower surface is black, in part dark brown,
rarely greyish brown, matte, lobe margins white. Rhizines black. Apothecia are
not observed on the Sri Lankan material.
Status Rare species in Sri Lanka. This is another unique species found in in Sri
Lanka which is also shared with the African continent. This species was first
discovered in East Africa. New record for the Indian subcontinent.
Habitat Mostly restricted to humid high elevation forests above 1000 m. Found
growing on tree trunks in moist montane areas.
Description Microfoliose. The thallus is orbicular to irregular. Lobes are usually
broadest near the tips, and typically overlap. The upper surface is whitish grey
to grey, shiny or rarely pruinose, and sorediate. Soredia are marginal, granular
and small. The lower surface is black, with dark grey lobe tips. Rhizines are black.
Apothecia are not common, margins are crenulated, disc black and with or
without pruina.
Status Rare species in Sri Lanka. This species is known from South America, East
Africa and Southeast Asia. New record for Sri Lanka.
Habitat Grows on both on rocks and on tree trunks in open areas above 900m.
Locations Few locations in the Matale district.
Physciaceae
Locations Matale district- Maussakanda estate and Kabaragala.
138 Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka
Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka 139