LECANORA COMPALLENS AND L. SINUOSA,TWO NEW OVERLOOKED CORTICOLOUS LICHEN SPECIES FROM WESTERN EUROPE

Lecanora compallens and L. sinuosa, two corticolous lichens, are described as species new to science on the basis of numerous collections. Lecanora compallens is a sorediate species, known only as sterile. It is probably common in Western Europe, but overlooked because it is very similar to L. expallens. Chemically, the new species is identical with L. strobilina, of which it may represent a sorediate counterpart. Lecanora sinuosa is a new species similar to L. chlarotera and so far only known from a limited area in the Netherlands and Germany, although it may be overlooked elsewhere. Lecanora sinuosa is very close to L. hybocarpa, with which it shares thepulicaris -type epihymenium inspersed with fine crystals but differs markedly by its thick thallus and thick and sinuous apothecium margin.     

LECANORA PARAMERAE,A NEW LICHEN FROM SPAIN

Lecanora paramerae is described from Central-East Spain. At the only two known localities it grows on Juniperus thurifera trees in the ‘Serranía de Cuenca’ mountains. It is chemically characterized by the presence of 2′- O -methylperlatolic acid in addition to atranorin and psoromic acid. Anatomically, it can be recognized by the presence of large and irregular crystals in the amphithecium, a pulicaris -type epihymenium and broadly ellipsoid ascospores.     

LECANORA VACILLANSH. MAGN., A REMARKABLE SPECIES AND ITS TAXONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE

The anatomy and chemistry ofLecanora vacillansH. Magn. has been studied. This saxicolous species combines key characters of both theL. subfuscaandL. subcarneagroups and indicates that the representative groups should not be segregated at generic level. More particularlyL. vacillansresembles theL. subfuscagroup in its apothecial anatomy but contains chemical substances typical of theL. subcarneagroup, whereas the morphology is reminiscent of both groups.Lecanora vacillansf.infuscatais reduced to synonymy withL. vacillans.     

MOLECULAR SYSTEMATICS OFLECANORASUBGENUSPLACODIUM

A first hypothesis for the phylogeny ofLecanorasubgen.Placodiumis presented by using molecular data. Previous evolutionary ideas and classification concepts for this group with non-molecular data are re-investigated using DNA sequence data from the nuclear ITS and 5.8S regions. UsingProtoparmeliaas an outgroup, theLecanora subfuscagroup together with theL. rupicolagroup appear as a sister group to assemblages with lobate species. Subgen.Placodium, as currently accepted, is not monophyletic. Molecular data suggest that theLecanora dispersagroup and theL. polytropagroup are widened by lobate species and there is evidence from the ITS data that the monotypic genusArctopeltisPoelt is closely related to theL. dispersagroup. A congruence between molecular data and secondary chemistry supports the broader concept of theL. dispersagroup suggested by the molecular data.     

(+)-Isorangiformic acid,a lichen substance from Lecanora stenotropa

(+)-Isorangiformic acid from the lichen Lecanora stenotropa has been shown to be (+)-2S-methoxycarbonyl-3S-heptadecanedicarboxylic acid.     

A molecular phylogeny of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lecanora varia</Emphasis> group,including a new species from western North America

The phylogeny of the Lecanora varia group is inferred from ITS sequences using Bayesian and ML phylogenetic analysis methods. According to our data, usnic acid-containing, corticolous Lecanora species do not form a monophyletic group but occur in three major clades together with other groups of Lecanora and Protoparmeliopsis. The new combination Lecanora filamentosa (Stirt.) Elix & Palice is proposed. The new species Lecanora schizochromatica is described from northwestern North America. It produces atranorin as a major substance and is closely related to the morphologically and chemically similar L. filamentosa. The American Biatora pullula Tuck. is synonymised with Lecanora anopta Nyl., which is hereby reported for continental North America for the first time. The phylogenetic relationships between the major clades of Lecanora are still largely unresolved and require more intensive taxon and character sampling.     

Lichenes novi quorum isotypi in fasciculo quinquagesimo tertio collectionis “Lichenes selecti exsiccati” distribuentur

Diagnoses of the following 5 new lichen species are presented:Lecanora casimceana Vězda sp. n.,Lecanora prominens Asta, Clauzade etRoux sp. n.,Ramalina pontica Vězda sp. n.,Usnea pseudoceratina Motyka sp. n. andUsnea tanzanica Motyka sp. n. The isotypes will be distributed in fasc. No. 53 of the “Lichenes selecti exsiccati” (issued by the Botanical Institute, Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences, Průhonice near Praha).     

CODONMYCES AND LICHENOSTELLA,TWO NEW GENERA OF LICHENICOLOUS CONIDIAL FUNGI

The new generic names Codonmyces and Lichenostella are introduced for two new species of conidial fungi. Lichenostella hypotrachynae gen. et sp. nov. is a commensal of Hypotrachyna species, and is mainly characterized by forming black sporodochia with setae and, particularly, by its star-like conidia. Codonmyces lecanorae gen. et. sp. nov. occurs on Lecanora valesiaca and differs from the genus Xanthoriicola by its 1-septate conidia and campanulate conidiogenous cells with several conspicuous, flared annellations. Comments on the ecology ofL. valesiaca , and its associated lichens and lichenicolous fungi are also given.     

Two sorediate crustose lichens assigned to Lecanora

Nordin, A., Sundin, R. & Thor, G. 1995. Two sorediate crustose lichens assigned to Lecanora. — Nord. J. Bot. 15: 553–556. Copenhagen. ISSN 0107–055X.
Lecanora viridissima is described and L. navarrensis is reported from Sweden (Dals-land, Sodermanland, Gotland, Oland, Smiland) and Estonia (Laanema, Saarema). The latter species is reported with apothecia from one locality in Sweden. Lecanora viridissima has not been found with apothecia or pycnidia but is placed in Lecanora due to its general habit and the presence of atranorin. It is distinguished by its morphology, chemistry and habitat. Lecanora viridissima has so far only been found on the island of Gotland in Sweden.     

Lecanora schistina (nyl.) Arnold,a lichen with dimorphic conidia

Abstract: The lichen Lecanora schistina (Nyl.) Arnold has two kinds of conidia: filiform microconidia and obpyriform macroconidia. Both appear mixed in the same conidioma, the former being much more abundant. Sometimes these conidiomata contain a third type of conidia (microconidia) belonging most probably to a lichenicolous coelomycete living in the conidiomata of the lichen.     

Lecanora vinetorum nova spec., ihre Vergesellschaftung,ihre Ökologie und ihre Chemie

Zusammenfassung Die für die Kultur der Weinreben im Gebiet von Überetsch, Südtirol, verwandten Holzgerüste werden seit Jahrzehnten im Rahmen der Bekämpfung des MehltausPlasmopara viticola mit kupferhaltigen Mitteln besprüht, derzeit etwa zwölfmal im Jahr. Sie sind nicht, wie man erwarten könnte, frei von Flechten, sondern werden von einer weithin einheitlichen, artenarmen Flechtenvegetation besiedelt.Die vorkommenden Arten werden zusammengestellt und soziologisch in eine Assoziation zusammengefaßt. Einige von ihnen sind weitverbreitete schwermetallresistente Arten. Besonders beachtenswert istAcarospora anomala, die die stark insolierten Flächen besiedelt, sowie die neu beschriebeneLecanora vinetorum, deren systematische Verwandtschaft unklar ist. Lecanora vinetorum synthetisiert eine Reihe von Flechtenstoffen. Einer davon wurde als Xanthon mit einem Chloratom erkannt und Vinetorin benannt; seine Struktur wurde aufgeklärt. Ein zweiter, nicht benannter Stoff, ist dem Vinetorin sehr ähnlich, hat aber 2 Chloratome. Lecanora vinetorum enthält in der untersuchten Probe etwa 5000 ppm Kupfer, damit die größte bisher bei Flechten gefundene Menge.Die Herkunft der Arten wird diskutiert.

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Summary In the region of Überetsch, South-Tyrol, the wood-frames, which are used for the culture of the vine, are sprayed since decades because of the mildewPlasmopara viticola with remedies containing copper. In the moment this will be done about twelve times the year. These frames could be expected to be free from lichens, but they are settled by a spacious uniform vegetation of lichens, which is void of species.The occurring species are put together and sociologically summed up to one association. Some of them are wide-spread species, which are resistant to heavy metal. Very remarkable is the lichenAcarospora anomala, which settles the levels exposed to the sun, and the new describedLecanora vinetorum, the systematic relationship of which is not clear. Lecanora vinetorum synthesizes a series of lichen-substances. One substance has been perceived as Xanthon with one atom of chlorine and was called Vinetorin; its structure has been explained. Another not named substance is very much like Vinetorin, but it has two atoms of chlorine. Lecanora vinetorum contains in the researched specimen about 5000 ppm copper and with that the largest quantity, which has been found in lichens hitherto.The origin of the species is discussed.

     

Vorarbeiten zu einer Flechtenflora Dalmatiens

Ohne ZusammenfassungDie neue Art gehört in den Verwandtschaftskreis derLecanora albeseens und derLecanora dispersa; die eigentümliche Ausbildung des Lagers und das pulverige Hymenium sind die wichtigsten Merkmale.     

Assessment of biological colonization of historic buildings in the former Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration camp

The objective of this study was to assess biological colonization of wooden and brick buildings in the former Auschwitz II-Birkenau concentration camp, and to identify the organisms colonizing the examined buildings. Microbiological analysis did not reveal increased microbial activity, and the total microbial count of the barrack surfaces did not exceed 10³ CFU/100 cm². However, certain symptoms of biodegradation of the buildings were observed. The predominant microflora consisted of bacteria of the genera Bacillus, Sporosarcina, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Streptomyces, and Staphylococcus, as well as fungi of the genera Acremonium, Cladosporium, Alternaria, Humicola, Penicillium, and Chaetomium. The microflora patterns varied both in wooden and brick buildings. The structural elements of wooden and brick barracks, and especially of the floors and lower parts of bathroom walls, were infected by cyanobacteria and algae, with the most numerous being cyanobacteria of the genera Scytonema, Chroococcus, Gloeothece, Leptolyngbya, diatoms of the genus Diadesmis, and chlorophytes of the genera Chlorella and Apatococcus. The outer surfaces of the examined buildings were primarily colonized by lichens and bryophytes, with nearly 30 species identified. The dominant species of lichens belonged to the genera Candelariella, Caloplaca, Lecanora, Lecidea, Lepraria, Physcia, and Protoparmeliopsis, and those of bryophytes to the genera Bryum, Ceratodon, Marchantia, and Tortula. The quantity and species diversity of lichens and mosses were much lower in wooden barracks than in brick ones. The external surfaces of those barracks were only affected by Lecanora conizaeoides, Lecanora symmicta, Lepraria cf. incana, and Strangospora pinicola. The study results revealed vast biodiversity among the species colonizing historic buildings. The presence of these groups of organisms, resulting from their natural expansion in the environment, is undesirable, as their excessive growth and spread may lead to progressive biodegradation of buildings. Our assessment of biological contamination will enable the development of a disinfection and conservation plan for the examined buildings.     

中国茶渍属地衣3个新记录种北大核心CSCD

文章报道中国茶渍属地衣3个新记录种——亚异茶渍(Lecanora subravida Nyl.)、栎生茶渍(L.quercicola Coppins&P.James)和针叶茶渍(L.coniferarum Printzen),该3个物种均隶属于柳茶渍组(Lecanora saligna group)。该类群主要特征为,朽木生,地衣体龟裂状至疣状或完全不明显,子囊盘黄绿色至棕色或颜色多样,表面具轻微粉霜,主要化学次生代谢产物为松萝酸。本研究使用贝叶斯分析(BI)构建了基于2个基因位点(nrITS,mtSSU)系统发育树,分析了该3种在茶渍属中的进化位置。本研究还对每个种详细描述形态-解剖特征、分布及栖息地等情况,并提供了地衣体、子囊盘及子囊孢子的彩色图片。     

Lichens on lignum in the coastal regions of western Spitsbergen (Svalbard)

Eighteen species of eleven lichen genera were found on driftwood and worked timber deposited on the beaches in the Hornsund and Billefjorden regions (the west coast of Spitsbergen, Svalbard archipelago). Majority of them indicate low substrate specificity in the high arctic regions. Only three species (Caloplaca spitsbergensis, Lecanora mughicola, L. orae-frigidae) are typical for lignum. Most of the taxa are widespread in Svalbard. Species like: Caloplaca holocarpa, C. spitsbergensis, Protothelenella sphinctrinoidella, Rinodina archaea were sporadically reported till now. Lecanora mughicola was not reported from Svalbard up to the present and this is the first record of the species for the region.     

Small increase in substratum [corrected] pH causes the dieback of one of Europe's most common lichens, Lecanora conizaeoides

Backgrounds and Aims

Lecanora conizaeoides was until recently western and central Europe''s most abundant epiphytic lichen species or at least one of the most common epiphytes. The species is adapted to very acidic conditions at pH values around 3 and high concentrations of SO₂ and its derivatives formed in aqueous solution, and thus spread with increasing SO₂ deposition during the 19th and 20th centuries. With the recent decrease of SO₂ emissions to nearly pre-industrial levels within 20 years, L. conizaeoides declined from most of its former range. If still present, the species is no longer the dominant epiphyte, but is occurring in small densities only. The rapid spread of the L. conizaeoides in Europe from an extremely rare species to the probably most frequent epiphytic lichen and the subsequent rapid dieback are unprecedented by any other organism. The present study aimed at identifying the magnitude of deacidification needed to cause the dieback of the lichen.

Methods

The epiphytic lichen diversity and bark chemistry of montane spruce forests in the Harz Mountains, northern Germany, were studied and the results were compared with data recorded with the same methods 13–15 years ago.

Key Results

Lecanora conizaeoides, which was the dominant epiphyte of the study area until 15 years ago, is still found on most trees, but only with small cover values of ≤1 %. The bark pH increased by only 0·4 pH units.

Conclusions

The data suggest that only slight deacidification of the substratum causes the breakdown of the L. conizaeoides populations. Neither competitors nor parasites of L. conizaeoides that may have profited from reduced SO₂ concentrations are likely causes of the rapid dieback of the species.     

PHOTOBIONT INVENTORY OF A LICHEN COMMUNITY GROWING ON HEAVY-METAL-RICH ROCK

Abstract: The photobiont inventory of a stand of the Acarosporetum sinopicae, a lichen community comprising saxicolous, chalcophilous lichens, has been analysed. Investigated lichen species were Acarospora rugulosa, A. sinopica, Bellemerea diamartha, Lecanora polytropa, L. subaurea, Lecidea silacea, L. lapicida, Rhizocarpon geographicum, and Umbilicaria cylindrica. For all these lichen species this is the first record of the photobionts, except for L. lapicida. The photobionts were cultured axenically and investigated using light microscopical and molecular methods (ITS-sequence analyses). Every lichen species contained only one photobiont species. All photobionts belong toTrebouxia jamesii , but two different subspecies were found with the morphological differences corresponding to molecular differences. The new subspecies T. jamesii subsp. angustilobata is described, differing from the typical T. jamesii by a crenulate chloroplast but identical to the latter taxon in respect to the pyrenoid structure in the light microscope. These results are discussed with respect to the photobiont inventory of the Physcietum adscendentis, analysed in an earlier study.     

Mapping and analysis of distribution patterns of lichens on rural medieval churches in north-eastern Germany

Abstract:Lichen communities were examined on 62 churches in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. Ninety-six lichen species and subspecies, and three species of lichenicolous fungi were identified. Tylothallia biformigera and Lecanora campestris subsp. dolomitica are reported as new to Germany, and another 20 species are considered as threatened. This implies that the stone walls of churches represent an extremely important habitat in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where natural rock outcrops are rare. The distribution of lichen species was analyzed quantitatively in relation to several habitat factors. Aspect, substratum and inclination were found to be important factors for 35, 34 and 31 species, respectively. The height of the relevé was a significant factor for many species. Twenty-three species, which are described in the literature with oceanic to suboceanic distributions, occur significantly more frequently near the coast. The ways in which microclimate affects each of these habitat factors and contributes to the presence or absence of a species or group of species are discussed. Some species have narrow and specific habitat demands, whereas others thrive under a wide range of environmental conditions. The advantages of a strictly schematic approach with a detailed statistical analysis are discussed.     

Colonization by lichens and the development of lichen-dominated communities in the maritime Antarctic

Three long-term studies of lichen growth and colonization have been undertaken at Signy Island, South Orkney Islands, in the maritime Antarctic. Small individual thalli of several crustose species and uncolonized plots on 12 fresh rock surfaces were photographically monitored at intervals of 3–4 years over a period of up to 20 years. The development of Ochrolechia frigida colonies on a regenerating moss bank, recently uncovered by a receding glacier, was similarly monitored. The results indicate that many lichens growing in sites enriched by nitrogenous compounds derived from populations of sea birds, have relatively rapid colonization and growth rates. Mean percentage increase in thallus area can be as high as 15–32% per annum in some nitrophilous saxicolous species (e.g. Acarospora macrocyclos, Xanthoria elegans and species of Buellia and Caloplaca), but as low as 0·4–4% in nitrophobous species (Lecanora physciella, Lecidea sp., Rhizocarpon geographicum). Umbilicaria antarctica and Usnea antarctica also yielded data indicating high growth rates, with colonist plants reaching several centimetres after 20 years. Colonization by mixed assemblages of lichens of new rock surfaces can attain 40→90% cover after 20 years in nutrient-enriched sites, and even 20–25% in non-biotically influenced sites. Colonization by or increase in extant O. frigida on the regenerating moribund moss bank was also quite rapid. It is suggested that the ~exceptionally large thalli of several lichen species and the locally extensive dense lichen fellfield communities in the maritime Antarctic may be much younger than previously supposed.     

太白山茶渍属地衣多孢种类的初步研究

对采自陕西太白山地区的中国茶渍属Lecanora地衣多孢种类进行了初步研究,报道三个中国新记录种:多孢茶渍L.bruneri,亚多孢茶渍L.cateilea和日本茶渍L.japonica。以往在中国发现的茶渍属地衣种类子囊均含有8孢,新报道的三种子囊中孢子常多于8个。本文中对每种都给出了详尽的形态、解剖和化学特征描述,并且提供了每种的外部形态照片和日本茶渍的多孢子囊显微照片。