Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka

Cladonia
Reindeer lichens, Caribou lichens, Reindeer moss
Lecanorales Cladoniaceae
350
Cladonia is a large lichen genus and widely distributed in both hemispheres. A
number of species are cosmopolitan, typically favouring sunny habitats, but a
few occur in shady forest interiors. Most commonly found on soil but occur on
all kinds of substrates. It is especially abundant on sandy soil, exposed acid rock
outcrops, dead wood in rather dry situations, eucalyptus and pinus forests and
at forest margins.
Several species are widespread in Sri Lanka, but are often misidentified due to
their complex morphology and chemistry. Few recent collections were studied
recently by Gothamie Weerakoon and Andre Aptroot. Twelve new records of
Cladonia were discovered for Sri Lanka including 4 species that are new records
for the Indian subcontinent (Weerakoon & Aptroot 2014). It is possible that many
undiscovered species occur in particular montane communities. The species
form extensive colourful lawns on the forest floor and in open stony areas.
Sphaerophoraceae
Fr
C
Bunodophoron formosanum
Description The thallus of this fruticose lichen forms extensive colonies. The
slender sparse branches are flattened, particularly at the base. The upper surface
is pale, greyish green to whitish dirty green. The medulla or internal layer is dense
to hollow. The lower surface is whitish grey. Mazedia are not seen on Sri Lankan
material.
Status This common species can be spotted easily as it forms large colonies on
the mature trunks of trees in shady interiors.
The species in this genus have a complex morphology. The development of
the lichen thallus begins with a scaly (Squamulose) primary thallus. Next, erect
stalks or podetia develop from the surface or the edge of the squamules. In
some species, the primary squamules disappear leaving the podetia. Podetia are
hollow, simple or branched, can end in a cup-like structure or be tapered or have
a pointed tip.
The end of Podetia produces brown or bright red (sometimes waxy yellowish
beige) biatorine apothecia (disc) containing colourless, single celled spores, 8
per ascus.
Chemistry Contains wide variety of compounds.
Cladoniaceae
Habitat Cosmopolitan species. Mostly restricted to humid high elevation forests
above 1000m.
Locations Horton Plains, Pidurutalagala, Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve,
Kalupahana, Knuckles, and Gombaniya montane forests in the Knuckles
mountain region.
46 Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka
Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka 47