Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka

Hypogymnia
Tube lichens, bone lichens, pillow lichens
Lecanorales Parmeliaceae
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Hypogymnia is widely distributed throughout both hemispheres. It is most
common all over Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and North America, and
particularly in countries such as Japan and New Zealand. Most of the species
are epiphytes on bark and twigs. Some species are found on rocks, dead wood
and sometimes on soil in cool to cold areas in well lit, exposed habitats in high
altitudes. Most species are mainly confined to the canopy and upper branches
of trees.
Hypogymnia species are medium to large foliose lichens, greenish grey to light
brown, with more or less inflated lobes that are hollow (tube-like). The lower
surface is usually blackish dark brown.
Physciaceae
Fo
R
Heterodermia speciosa Powderd fringe lichen, powdered centipede
Description Foliose. Lobes are plane, not ascending. The upper surface is greyish
white and sorediate. Soredia are primarily seen on the main or lateral lobes. The
lower surface has a cortex and rhizines. Apothecia are not seen in Sri Lankan
material.
Status Uncommon. Only seen at few locations.
Only Hypogymnia zeylanica is common in Horton Plains and some localities close
to Horton Plains in Sri Lanka. This species is corticolous in Sri Lanka. It is possible
that more species occur in the highlands in montane communities which have
not yet been observed. They usually grow on mature, mossy trunks.
Apothecia lecanorine, red-brown; Asci: 8-spored; Spores: colourless, simple.
Chemistry Cortex K+ yellow (atranorin); medulla K-, C-; most species KC+ pink
(physodic acid).
An epiphyte is an organism that grows non-parasitically upon a tree or shrub,
and derives its moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, and sometimes from
debris accumulating around it instead of the structure it is fastened to.
Parmeliaceae
Habitat Mostly corticolous. Above 1200 m, in wet upper montane forests.
Locations Nawanagala in the Knuckles mountain region and Kabaragala in
Matale district.
96 Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka
Fascinating Lichens of Sri Lanka 97