Biology:Buellia lordhowensis
| Buellia lordhowensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Caliciales |
| Family: | Caliciaceae |
| Genus: | Buellia |
| Species: | B. lordhowensis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Buellia lordhowensis Elix (2020)
| |
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| Holotype site: Rocky Run Creek, Lord Howe Island[1] | |
Buellia lordhowensis is a little-known saxicolous (rock-dwelling), crustose lichen species in the family Caliciaceae,[2] first described in 2020. It is only known to occur on Lord Howe Island, Australia.
Taxonomy
The lichen was formally described in 2020 by the Australian lichenologist John Elix. It is named after its type locality, Lord Howe Island in New South Wales.[1]
Description
Buellia lordhowensis is characterised by a crust-like body (thallus) that varies in texture from cracked ([[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]]) to a cracked-tile appearance (rimose-areolate), spreading up to 55 mm wide. The individual tile-like segments, called [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]], are either tightly clustered or spread out, ranging in size from 0.2 to 0.8 mm, with an irregular, angular, and flat shape. The surface of the thallus is a pale yellow-grey, with a dull appearance. It has a well-defined, black border (prothallus) around the edges and between the areoles. The inner layer of the thallus (the medulla) is white and lacks calcium oxalate, as it does not react to sulphuric acid and iodine tests. The cells of the green algae living in symbiosis with the fungus ([[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]] cells) are relatively small, measuring 6–11 µm in diameter.
The reproductive structures of the lichen, known as apothecia, are tiny (0.1–0.25 mm wide), [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]] in form, and appear level with or immersed in the thallus. These structures have a black, non-powdery ([[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]]), and either flat or slightly sunken [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]]. The rim surrounding the disc (the [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]]) is initially raised above the disc but becomes level with it over time. This rim has an outer zone that is aeruginose-black, measuring 25–35 µm thick, while the layer just above the spore-producing tissue ([[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]]) is dark brown to bluish-green. The supporting tissue below the spore-producing tissue ([[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]]) is brown to dark brown and 70–80 µm thick. The actual spore-producing layer (hymenium) is 45–55 µm thick, clear, and not interspersed with particles; the layer beneath it ([[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]]) is pale brown and 10–15 µm thick. The slender, branching structures (paraphyses) within the hymenium are 1.5–2 µm wide, with aeruginose-brown capped tips. The spore-producing sacs (asci) are typically of the Bacidia type, usually containing eight spores. The spores themselves are of the Buellia type, brown, ellipsoid, and measure 9–13 by 5–8 µm. Older spores have a constriction at the division, and their outer walls are finely wrinkled (microrugulate). The [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]], another type of reproductive structure, are brown to black and immersed. The rod-shaped spores (conidia) produced in these structures measure 6–9 by 0.7–1 µm. Chemically, the medulla of the lichen contains 4,5-dichlorolichexanthone as its major component.[1]
Buellia lordhowensis is similar to Buellia lichexanthonica. It differs, however, by having immersed apothecia and a prominent black prothallus.[1]
Habitat and distribution
Buellia lordhowensis is known to occur only at its original collection site. It was found on basalt rocks in a lowland forest beside a rocky stream on Lord Howe Island. Associated lichens occurring in the same habitat included Buellia homophylia, Megalaria cf. laureri, Parmotrema reticulatum, and Xanthoparmelia thamnoides.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Elix, John A. (2020). "Ten new species and two new records of buellioid lichens (Physciaceae, Ascomycota) from Australia and Norfolk Island". Australasian Lichenology 87: 3–19. https://www.anbg.gov.au/abrs/lichenlist/AL87.pdf.
- ↑ "Buellia lordhowensis Elix". Species 2000: Naturalis, Leiden, the Netherlands. https://www.catalogueoflife.org/data/taxon/B3BNV.
Wikidata ☰ Q107531658 entry
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