Lepidostroma vilgalysii

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Lepidostroma vilgalysii
Lepidostroma vilgalysii, type collection, in the field, 2007.jpg
The type collection, photographed in the field in 2007
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Basidiomycota
Class: Agaricomycetes
Order: Lepidostromatales
Family: Lepidostromataceae
Genus: Lepidostroma
Species:
L. vilgalysii
Binomial name
Lepidostroma vilgalysii
B.P.Hodk. (2012)
Lepidostroma vilgalysii
Holotype: San José Teacalco, Tlaxcala, Mexico

Lepidostroma vilgalysii is a species of basidiolichen in the family Lepidostromataceae. [1] Discovered in 2012 in Mexico's Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, it grows in small green patches on clay banks in high-altitude pine forests. The species is distinctive because of its unusual "window lichen" structure, where its algal partner is concentrated in a layer at the base rather than near the surface as in most lichens. Its most distinctive features are its club-shaped reproductive structures, which are pale yellow to orange-brown with cream-colored tips, and its scale-like body parts that have white, raised edges. It is known only from a single location near San José Teacalco, Tlaxcala, at an elevation of about 3,000 m (9,800 ft) above sea level.

Contents

Taxonomy

Lepidostroma vilgalysii was first named and described in 2012 by Brendan Hodkinson, Jessie Uehling, and Matthew Smith. The species was discovered in Mexico's Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and represents only the second member of the family Lepidostromataceae documented from the New World. The holotype specimen (RV-MX16) was collected by the mycologist Rytas Vilgalys, after whom the species is named. [2] The species was first effectively published on January 4, 2012, in the "Online-First" edition of Mycological Progress , making it among the earlier species descriptions to be published electronically under the then-new provisions for electronic publication in taxonomy. [3]

Since the species' discovery, significant taxonomic changes have occurred in the group. In 2014, the order Lepidostromatales was established to contain the family Lepidostromataceae, reflecting the distinct evolutionary lineage of these fungi. The traditionally broad genus Lepidostroma was split into three genera – Lepidostroma in the strict sense (which includes L. vilgalysii), Ertzia , and Sulzbacheromyces – based on both morphological features and phylogenetic evidence. [4] Analysis of the nuclear ribosomal LSU region confirms the species' placement within Lepidostroma while demonstrating its genetic distinctness from other members of the genus, with L. calocerum and L. rugaramae as its closest known relatives [5]

Description

Lepidostroma vilgalysii is a basidiolichen, a rare type of lichen formed by a fungal partner ( mycobiont ) from the division Basidiomycota rather than the more common Ascomycota. It grows in distinctive patches that are dark to light green in color, never joining but remaining as separate rounded areas measuring 1.5–2.5 mm (occasionally up to 3.0 mm) in diameter. These patches thicken to 0.2–0.5 mm and become more expanded when wet, hardening when dry. [2]

The lichen's body (thallus) forms small scale-like structures called squamules that are concave in shape. When young, these squamules have a distinctive white, raised, and somewhat swollen edge, though this becomes less noticeable as they mature. The upper surface shows a pattern of lighter-colored spots ( maculae ) against the green background. Below the surface, thread-like fungal structures called rhizohyphae extend 1–4 mm beneath the squamules, helping to anchor the lichen. [2]

The reproductive structures (basidiocarps) are club-shaped and delicate, measuring 0.5–1.2 cm in length and 0.3–0.6 mm in thickness (occasionally up to 1.0 mm). They display a distinctive color pattern: pale yellow to rusty orange-brown, with the bottom half typically lighter, the top half darker, and a characteristic pale cream-colored tip when mature. When dry, these structures show several distinct irregular lengthwise grooves. [2]

One of the most characteristic features of L. vilgalysii is its inverted structure, where the algal partner ( photobiont ) forms a dense layer at the base of the thallus rather than near the top as in most lichens. The photobiont consists of green algal cells that are mostly ellipsoid in shape, measuring 8–13 by 5–8  micrometers (μm), each containing a central or near-central pyrenoid (a protein-containing body involved in carbon fixation). These algal cells form columns that project upward through the fungal tissue, creating the spotted pattern visible on the surface. [2]

The fungal tissue itself comprises multiple layers: an upper cortex made of 1–3 layers of polygonal cells, a loose middle layer (medulla) 0.15–0.40 mm thick containing sparsely branched fungal threads, and a lower cortex with multiple cell layers from which the anchoring rhizohyphae extend. The reproductive spores (basidiospores) produced by the basidiocarps are elongated-oval in shape, thin-walled, clear, and measure 11–14 by 4–6.5 μm. [2]

Similar species

Lepidostroma vilgalysii is morphologically most similar to the central African species Lepidostroma rugaramae , sharing features such as white-rimmed squamules with conspicuous maculae . However, L. vilgalysii can be distinguished by several characteristics: [2]

Habitat, distribution, and ecology

Lepidostroma vilgalysii is known only from a single location in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, in the Mexican state of Tlaxcala. There, it grows on a clay embankment at an elevation of 3,015 m (9,892 ft) above sea level. The species' habitat consists of forested areas dominated by Pinus montezumae (Montezuma pine) with the presence of Alnus acuminata (Andean alder). This high-altitude environment is characteristic of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt's montane ecosystems. [2]

The species exhibits an unusual "window lichen" morphology shared with other members of the genus Lepidostroma. While this inverted structure is typically interpreted as an adaptation to dry conditions in other lichen species, researchers note that this explanation may not fully account for its presence in L. vilgalysii and its close relative L. calocerum, suggesting other ecological factors may be involved. The species is believed to share its geographic range with L. calocerum, the only other Lepidostroma species known from the New World, though additional specimens and locations have yet to be documented. [2]

Within the broader context of Lepidostromatales diversity, L. vilgalysii represents one of several species documented from the Americas. Other New World species include congeners from Colombia and Costa Rica, as well as Brazilian representatives from different genera within the order. [4] The species' restriction to a single locality contrasts with the broader distribution patterns seen in the order Lepidostromatales, which has centers of diversity in Africa (particularly Central Africa) and Asia, where multiple species often occur in sympatry. [4] The species appears to share habitat preferences with some of its relatives, favoring clay soils in exposed, seasonally moist environments. The presence of abundant rhizohyphae extending into the substrate suggests an adaptation for secure attachment to its clay bank habitat. [2]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lichen</span> Symbiosis of fungi with algae or cyanobacteria

A lichen is a hybrid colony of algae or cyanobacteria living symbiotically among filaments of multiple fungi species, along with yeasts and bacteria embedded in the cortex or "skin", in a mutualistic relationship. Lichens are the lifeform that first brought the term symbiosis under biological context.

<i>Psora</i> Genus of lichens

Psora is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Psoraceae. Members of the genus are commonly called fishscale lichens. Lichens in the genus Psora generally have a squamulose thallus and anthraquinones in the hymenium. Photobiont partners of Psora lichens include members of the green algal genera Asterochloris, Chloroidium, Myrmecia, and Trebouxia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Basidiolichen</span> Lichen with a Basidiomycota mycobiont

Basidiolichens are lichenized members of the division Basidiomycota within the subkingdom Dikarya of the kingdom Fungi. They form a diverse yet much smaller group of lichens than the far more common ascolichens of the division Ascomycota. Owing to how few described species there are, basidiolichens are generally considered to be poorly researched, and few studies that characterize their natural products exist. Biogeographically, basidiolichen species may be distributed in a cosmopolitan manner or more regionally, ranging from arctic and montane habitats to more temperate and tropical environments. Morphologically, basidiocarp and thallus structures may vary widely within and between basidiolichen genera.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lepidostromatales</span> Order of fungi

Lepidostromatales is an order of fungi in the class Agaricomycetes. It is the only known order of basidiomycete fungi composed entirely of lichenized members. Morphologically, the fruiting bodies of all species are clavarioid. Six species are known, five of which were described within the span of 2007–2013. Due to its morphological similarity to the genus Multiclavula, its isolated phylogenetic position was not understood until quite recently. The photobionts that have been found in association with members of this group are not known to associate with any other types of lichenized fungi.

Ertzia is a monospecific genus in the family Lepidostromataceae. The sole species is Ertzia akagerae, a basidiolichen. The genus was circumscribed in 2014 by Brendan Hodkinson and Robert Lücking. Ertzia is distinguished from all other lichenized clavarioid fungi by having a microsquamulose thallus that forms contiguous glomerules with a cortex of jigsaw puzzle-shaped cells. Ertzia akagerae grows on soil in the African tropics.

Sulzbacheromyces is a genus of basidiolichens in the family Lepidostromataceae. The genus is distinguished from the other genera of Lepidostromataceae by having an entirely crustose thallus and from Multiclavula (Cantharellales) by having a chlorococcoid photobiont. The type species grows on soil in the neotropics.

<i>Lepidostroma</i> Genus of fungi

Lepidostroma is a genus in the family Lepidostromataceae. The genus is distinguished from all other lichenized clavarioid fungi by having a distinctly squamulose thallus with scattered to dense rounded to reniform squamules. Four species are known from the tropics of Africa and the Americas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lichen morphology</span>

Lichen morphology describes the external appearance and structures of a lichen. These can vary considerably from species to species. Lichen growth forms are used to group lichens by "vegetative" thallus types, and forms of "non-vegetative" reproductive parts. Some lichen thalli have the aspect of leaves ; others cover the substrate like a crust, others such as the genus Ramalina adopt shrubby forms, and there are gelatinous lichens such as the genus Collema.

<i>Normandina pulchella</i> Species of lichen

Normandina pulchella, commonly known as the elf-ear lichen or blue heart, is a species of squamulose lichen in the family Verrucariaceae. This cosmopolitan species is widely distributed across both hemispheres, where it thrives in moist microhabitats. It favours moss-covered deciduous trees and rocks, often colonising over mosses and bryophytes. It occasionally grows on bare bark and on other lichens. Distinctive features of N. pulchella include its bluish-green squamules (scales) with sharply raised margins, non-reactivity to standard chemical spot tests, and growth in humid habitats. Initially, Nannochloris normandinae, a green alga, was thought to be its photobiont. More recent studies, however, have revised this understanding, with Diplosphaera chodatii now recognised as the algal partner.

Nebularia is a small genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Pannariaceae. It comprises two species, both of which are found in the Andes.

Neoplaca is a fungal genus in the family Teloschistaceae. It comprises the single species Neoplaca mirabilis, a ground-dwelling, crustose lichen. Both the genus and species were described in 2023 from specimens collected in Yakutia, Russia. The species is distinctive among its relatives for its whitish to greyish squamulose (scaly) thallus with contrasting citrine to orange-yellow blastidia, and for lacking the anthraquinone pigments typical of its family. Instead, it produces naphthopyran compounds, making it the first known case of these compounds in the Teloschistaceae. The species grows on base-rich soil on exposed south-facing siliceous outcrops, where it is locally common but known only from two localities along the Eastern Khandyga River in Yakutia.

Sulzbacheromyces leucodontius is a species of basidiolichen in the family Lepidostromataceae. First described in 2023, it is characterised by its distinctive white, unbranched fruiting bodies that resemble elephant tusks, growing 6–25 millimetres tall. The species forms a thin, crusty growth on clay soils in tropical rainforests, where it lives in symbiosis with microscopic green algae. It has the broadest geographical distribution of any American Sulzbacheromyces species, occurring across the Neotropics from Mexico to western Brazil, particularly in lowland areas. Although initially published as S. leucodontium, the species name was later corrected to S. leucodontius.

Sulzbacheromyces bicolor is a species of basidiolichen in the family Lepidostromataceae. It occurs in Yunnan, China.

Sulzbacheromyces fossicola is a species of basidiolichen in the family Lepidostromataceae. First described in 1950 by E. J. H. Corner as Clavaria fossicola, it is characterised by its dark green to indigo blue crusty growth form and distinctive white, club-shaped fruiting bodies that turn beige when dried. The species forms a thin layer on soil or rocks, where it lives in symbiosis with microscopic green algae. It is distributed across tropical and subtropical Asia, from India to Singapore, where it specifically grows on exposed yellow and red clay soils in shaded locations. The species was transferred to Sulzbacheromyces in 2017 based on molecular and morphological evidence.

Sulzbacheromyces miomboensis is a species of basidiolichen in the family Lepidostromataceae. Found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as was described as new to science in 2017.

Sulzbacheromyces sinensis is a species of basidiolichen in the family Lepidostromataceae. It is found in Asia.

Sulzbacheromyces yunnanensis is a species of basidiolichen in the family Lepidostromataceae. It is found in Yunnan, China.

Sulzbacheromyces tutunendo is a species of basidiolichen in the family Lepidostromataceae. It is found in Colombia.

Sulzbacheromyces chocoensis is a species of soil-dwelling basidiolichen in the family Lepidostromataceae. It forms a thin, olive-green crust on clay soil and produces distinctive unbranched, reddish-orange to yellowish reproductive structures. The species was described in 2018 from specimens collected in Colombia's Chocó Biogeographic Region, where it grows in tropical rainforest environments.

Sulzbacheromyces caatingae is a species of basidiolichen in the family Lepidostromataceae. Discovered in 2012 in northeastern Brazil, it is characterised by its thin green crustose thallus and distinctive orange-pink, club-shaped reproductive structures. The species has a broad ecological amplitude, occurring across different vegetation types from the semi-arid Caatinga to humid Atlantic Forest fragments, where it grows on soil banks and termite nests near forest edges. As the type species of the genus Sulzbacheromyces, it represents a unique evolutionary lineage within the order Lepidostromatales and can be distinguished from similar-looking species by its undifferentiated thallus structure and association with green algae.

References

  1. ↑ "Lepidostroma vilgalysi B.P. Hodk". Catalogue of Life . Species 2000: Leiden, the Netherlands. Retrieved 15 December 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Hodkinson, B.P.; Uehling, J.K.; Smith, M.E. (2012). "Lepidostroma vilgalysii, a new basidiolichen from the New World". Mycological Progress. 11 (3): 828–833. Bibcode:2012MycPr..11..827H. doi:10.1007/s11557-011-0800-z.
  3. ↑ Hodkinson, Brendan P.; Lendemer, James C. (2014). "A clarification of effective electronic publication". Taxon. 63 (4): 911–913. doi:10.12705/634.17.
  4. 1 2 3 Liu, Dong; Goffinet, Bernard; Ertz, Damien; Kesel, André De; Wang, Xinyu; Hur, Jae-Seoun; Shi, Haixia; Zhang, Yanyun; Yang, Meixia; Wang, Lisong (2018). "Circumscription and phylogeny of the Lepidostromatales (lichenized Basidiomycota) following discovery of new species from China and Africa". Mycologia. 109 (5): 730–748. doi:10.1080/00275514.2017.1406767. PMID   29370576.
  5. ↑ Yanaga, Konomi; Sotome, Kozue; Suhara, Hiroto; Maekawa, Nitaro (2015). "A new species of Lepidostroma (Agaricomycetes, Lepidostromataceae) from Japan". Mycoscience. 56 (1): 1–9. doi: 10.1016/j.myc.2014.01.011 .
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