Pseudocyphellaria dissimilis: a desiccation-sensitive,highly shade-adapted lichen from New Zealand |
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Authors: | T G A Green Ellen Kilian O L Lange |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Waikato, Private Bag, Hamilton, New Zealand;(2) Lehrstuhl für Botanik II der Universität Würzburg, Mittlerer Dallenbergweg 64, W 8700 Würzburg, Federal Republic of Germany |
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Abstract: | Summary
Pseudocyphellaria dissimilis, a foliose, cyanobacterial lichen, is shown not to fit into the normal ecological concept of lichens. This species is both extremely shade-tolerant and also more intolerant to drying than aquatic lichens previously thought to be the most desiccation-sensitive of lichens. Samples of P. dissimilis from a humid rain-forest site in New Zealand were transported in a moist state to Germany. Photosynthesis response curves were generated. The effect of desiccation was measured by comparing CO2 exchange before and after a standard 20-h drying routine. Lichen thalli could be equilibrated at 15° C to relative humidities (RH) from 5% to almost 100%. Photosynthesis was saturated at a photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) level of 20 mol m-2 s-1 (350 bar CO2) and PAR compensation was a very low 1 mol m-2 s-1. Photosynthesis did not saturate until 1500 bar CO2. Net photosynthesis was relatively unaffected by temperature between 10° C and 30° C with upper compensation at over 40° C. Temporary depression of photosynthesis occurred after a drying period of 20 h with equilibration at 45–65% relative humidity (RH). Sustained damage occurred at 15–25% RH and many samples died after equilibration at 5–16% RH. Microclimate studies of the lichen habitat below the evergreen, broadleaf forest canopy revealed consistently low PAR (normally below 10–20 mol m-2 s-1) and high humidities (over 80% RH even during the day time). The species shows many features of an extremely deep shade-adapted plant including low PAR saturation and compensation, low photosynthetic and respiratory rates and low dry weight per unit area. |
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Keywords: | Desiccation Drought Lichen Light Photosynthesis |
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