Biology:Caloplaca nigra
| Caloplaca nigra | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Teloschistales |
| Family: | Teloschistaceae |
| Genus: | Caloplaca |
| Species: | C. nigra
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| Binomial name | |
| Caloplaca nigra Bungartz & Søchting (2020)
| |
Caloplaca nigra is a species of saxicolous (rock-dwelling), crustose lichen in the family Teloschistaceae.[1] Found on rocks predominantly in the Galápagos Islands, it is characterised by its dark reproductive structures ([[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]]).
Taxonomy
The species Caloplaca nigra was formally described and catalogued by lichenologists Frank Bungartz and Ulrik Søchting. The species epithet nigra derives from the Latin for "black", alluding to the colour of its apothecial [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]]. The type specimen is from the Galápagos Islands, specifically from San Cristóbal Island's hills south of Punta Pit at the island's northeast coast.[2]
Description
The lichen has a brownish-olive, distinctly [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]] thallus. These [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]], in some instances, appear as though outlined by a whitish border, especially around their periphery. The [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]], ranging from sparse to abundant, are more or less [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]] (more of less immersed in the thallus) at the onset. Their margins are hard to distinguish from the thallus, later becoming more [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]] and [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]]. Apothecial [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]] are flat to slightly convex and black. Microscopic examinations of Caloplaca nigra reveal a brownish-olive [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]] and a hymenium that is clear and free from any [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]]. Asci are broadly [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]] and resemble the Teloschistes-type. The [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]], numbering eight per ascus, are [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]] and range from ellipsoid to broadly ellipsoid, measuring approximately 10.0–11.3 by 5.8–7.8 μm.[2]
Chemical spot tests conducted on the thallus and apothecia have shown consistent non-reactivity. Secondary metabolites have not been identified in the species.[2]
The Galápagos also has another species, C. floridana, which shares the trait of black apothecia with Caloplaca nigra. However, C. floridana is corticolous, growing on tree bark, and displays distinct thallus characteristics and chemical reactions that differentiate it from Caloplaca nigra. Although DNA extraction for Caloplaca nigra proved challenging, its unique attributes underscore its classification as a separate species.[2]
Habitat and distribution
Endemic to the Galápagos Islands, Caloplaca nigra has been observed growing on rocks in environments ranging from sun-drenched coastal regions to the lower transition zones. These habitats are typically exposed to significant sunlight, wind, and rainfall.[2]
See also
References
- ↑ "Caloplaca nigra Bungartz & Søchting". Species 2000: Naturalis, Leiden, the Netherlands. https://www.catalogueoflife.org/data/taxon/B32QP.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Bungartz, Frank; Søchting, Ulrik; Arup, Ulf (2020). "Teloschistaceae (lichenized Ascomycota) from the Galapagos Islands: a phylogenetic revision based on morphological, anatomical, chemical, and molecular data". Plant and Fungal Systematics 65 (2): 515–576. doi:10.35535/pfsyst-2020-0030.
Wikidata ☰ Q121836574 entry
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