Biology:Melanelia microglabra
| Melanelia microglabra | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Lecanorales |
| Family: | Parmeliaceae |
| Genus: | Melanelia |
| Species: | M. microglabra
|
| Binomial name | |
| Melanelia microglabra Divakar, Upreti, G.P.Sinha & Elix (2003)
| |
Melanelia microglabra is a rare species of saxicolous (rock-dwelling) foliose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae.[1] It is found in high-elevation locations in Sikkim, India.
Taxonomy
The lichen was formally described as a new species in 2003 by lichenologists Pradeep Divakar, Dalip Kumar Upreti, Gopal Prasad Sinha, and John Elix. The type specimen was collected by the third author in the Llonakh valley of Mangan district in Sikkim, at an altitude of 4,500 m (14,800 ft). It is named for its similarity to the bark-dwelling Australian species Melanelia pseudoglabra, from which it differs by its smaller thallus, narrower lobes, substrate preference, and chemistry.[2]
Description
The foliose thallus of Melanelia microglabra, which is somewhat loosely attached to its rock [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]], has a leathery texture and reaches a diameter of up to 1.5 cm (0.6 in). The individual [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]] comprising the thallus measure 0.2–1.0 mm wide, with incised tips and lacking any [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]] at the margins. The upper thallus surface is brown to black, with a [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]] to warty texture, and lacking isidia, soredia, [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]], pseudocyphellae, apothecia and pycnidia, while the lower thallus surface is black, with brown apices. The rhizines are sparse, [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]], and black.[2]
Melanelia microglabra contains gyrophoric acid and a major metabolite, ovoic acid as a submajor substance, and both lecanoric acid and 2-O-methyllecanoric acid and minor components. The expected results of standard chemical spot tests are K−, HNO3+ (pale red) in the [[Glossary of lichen terms#{{biology:{1}}}|{{Biology:{1}}}]], and K−, C+ (pink), KC+ (red), and P− in the medulla.[2]
Habitat and distribution
At the time of its original publication, Melanelia microglabra had only been collected at the type locality.[2] It has since been enumerated as one of the approximately 200 lichen taxa recorded in the Kangchenjunga biosphere reserve in the eastern Himalayas.[3]
References
- ↑ "Melanelia microglabra Divakar, Upreti, G.P. Sinha & Elix". Species 2000: Leiden, the Netherlands. https://www.catalogueoflife.org/data/taxon/3Z6R6.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Divakar, P.K.; Upreti, D.K.; Sinha, G.P.; Elix, John A. (2003). "New species and records in the lichen family Parmeliaceae (Ascomycota) from India". Mycotaxon 88: 149–154. http://www.cybertruffle.org.uk/cyberliber/59575/0088/0149.htm.
- ↑ Sinha, G.P. (2005). "Macrolichens of Kanchemdzonga Bioshpere Reserve, Sikkim". Geophytology 35 (1–2): 85–89. http://www.palaeobotanicalsociety.org/vol35_2005/85vol35_2005.pdf.
Wikidata ☰ Q10580283 entry
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