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Bunodophoron<br />
Lecanorales Sphaerophoraceae<br />
24<br />
Bunodophoron is a characteristic genus found in cool, wet, temperate areas<br />
and montane rainforests in tropical and subtropical areas. Its species are mostly<br />
epiphytes, only rarely found on rocks. This genus includes some <strong>of</strong> the most<br />
conspicuous epiphytic lichens <strong>of</strong> the shaded forests interior.<br />
In <strong>Sri</strong> <strong>Lanka</strong>, they usually grow on mossy trunks. They have a hanging Christmas<br />
tree-like appearance due to their pendant fruticose thalli. Bunodophoron species<br />
produce a black, powdery fruiting body known as mazaedium. Mature fruiting<br />
bodies were not observed on any species collected in <strong>Sri</strong> <strong>Lanka</strong>. Different species<br />
are readily distinguished by their thallus form, colour and chemistry. Their size<br />
and colour also provides important information for differentiating species.<br />
Few species <strong>of</strong> Bunodophoron are widespread, most showing distinct preference<br />
for particular forest communities, favouring mature mossy trunks. Only<br />
Bunodophoron diplotypum and Bunodophoron formosanum are widespread<br />
in <strong>Sri</strong> <strong>Lanka</strong>. Other species have a distinct preference for particular montane<br />
communities.<br />
Bunodophoron diplotypum<br />
C<br />
Fr<br />
Sphaerophoraceae<br />
Apothecia called mazedia, terminal or laminal, greyish to reddish brown.<br />
Chemistry Medulla K-or K+ yellow; C-;P-or P+ yellowish to red, I-. UV+ white.<br />
In fungi, a fruiting body is a multi-cellular structure on which spore-producing<br />
structures, such as basidia or asci, are borne. The fruiting body is part <strong>of</strong> the<br />
sexual phase <strong>of</strong> a fungal life cycle.<br />
Description This fruticose lichen has an erect, elongated thallus that is irregularly<br />
branched. It forms large colonies. The upper surface is greyish yellow and green<br />
to pale grey, or sometimes almost white. The medulla is hollow. Mazedia are not<br />
seen on <strong>Sri</strong> <strong>Lanka</strong>n material.<br />
Status This common species can be spotted easily, as it forms large colonies on<br />
the mature trunks <strong>of</strong> trees in shady interiors.<br />
Habitat Mostly restricted to humid high elevation forests above 1000 m.<br />
Sphaerophoraceae<br />
Locations Horton Plains and Kalupahana, montane forests in the Knuckles<br />
mountain region.<br />
44 <strong>Fascinating</strong> <strong>Lichens</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sri</strong> <strong>Lanka</strong><br />
<strong>Fascinating</strong> <strong>Lichens</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Sri</strong> <strong>Lanka</strong> 45
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