Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka

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Pseudocyphellaria desfontainii
Pseudocyphellaria intricata
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Lobariaceae
Description Foliose. The thallus is pale greyish, dirty green-grey brown. Thallus
forms a rosette or could be spreading. Lobe margins isidiate. Isidia are yellow,
and the lower surface is pale yellowish, buff or reddish dirty brown. Apothecia are
rare, with red brown to grey-white disc.
Status This rarely spotted species can be identified by the yellowish isidia on the
margin of its lobes.
Habitat Mostly restricted to humid high elevation forest areas. It is also found in
fragmented forest patches at high elevations (above 1200m), growing on upper
trunks and dead bark within the view of casual observer. Easily spotted in well lit
situation.
Description Foliose. The thallus forms a rosette and spreads irregularly. The
lobes are loosely attached, dark greenish brown to greyish when dry, and
bluish black to dirty green after the rain. The margins of the lobes are sorediate,
and the soredia are white to grey. The lower surface is pale chocolate brown.
Pseudocyphellae are white and scattered. Apothecia have not yet been observed
on the specimens collected in Sri Lanka.
Status This cosmopolitan species can be identified by its white marginal soredia
on the margin of the lobes.
Habitat Mostly restricted to humid forest areas, growing on dead wood and
bark in sheltered sites within the view of casual observer. Occasionally saxicolous.
Lobariaceae
Locations Horton Plains (common), Kikiliyamana, Ambewela, Pattipola,
Seethaeliya, Hakgala strict nature reserve (SNR) and Kandapola in the Nuwara
Eliya District.
Locations Horton Plains (common), Pattipola, Hakgala strict nature reserve and
Pidurutalagala peak in the Nuwara Eliya district. Laxapana water fall, Hiniduama
Kanda, and Kitulgala forest.
142 Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka
Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka 143