Polycauliona coralloides

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Polycauliona coralloides
Polycauliona coralloides 112096151.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Lecanoromycetes
Order: Teloschistales
Family: Teloschistaceae
Genus: Polycauliona
Species:
P. coralloides
Binomial name
Polycauliona coralloides
(Tuck.) Hue (1909)
Synonyms [1]
  • Placodium coralloidesTuck. (1866)
  • Lecanora coralloides(Tuck.) Nyl. ex Hue (1891)
  • Caloplaca coralloides(Tuck.) Hulting (1896)
  • Thamnolia coralloides(Tuck.) Gyeln. (1933)
  • Thamnonoma coralloides(Tuck.) Gyeln. (1933)

Polycauliona coralloides, the coral firedot lichen, is a species of small fruticose (bushy), saxicolous (rock-dwelling) lichen in the family Teloschistaceae. [2] First formally described in 1866, it was later shuffled to a few different genera in its taxonomic history before ending up in Polycauliona , a genus resurrected from taxonomic obscurity in the molecular phylogenetics era. The lichen occurs on seaside rocks in the intertidal spray zone of California and northwestern Mexico. The species is readily recognized due to its distinctive coral-like form–its thallus grows as a tangle of orange, filamentous branches.

Contents

Taxonomy

Polycauliona coralloides, originally described as Placodium coralloides by Edward Tuckerman in 1864, has experienced several taxonomic revisions. It has been reclassified under various genera, including Polycauliona , [3] Thamnoma , and Caloplaca . This species, along with Caloplaca thamnodes , is part of a group of dwarf-fruticose species that formerly belonged to the section Gasparrinia of genus Caloplaca. It had been suspected, even before the advent of molecular phylogenetics, that this group was not monophyletic, implying that these species have evolved separately from different ancestors within the genus. [4] The presence of a microfruticose species in a predominantly crustose genus is unusual, and has led to historical disagreement as to its proper classification. In 2001, Irwin Brodo suggested that the fruticose growth form of the lichen hinted at a possible relationship to Teloschistes , but further pointed out that the North American representatives of this genus were either corticolous or terricolous, and more abundantly branched. [5]

The etymology of the species epithet coralloides alludes to the coral-like appearance of the species. Phylogenetically, Polycauliona coralloides and Caloplaca thamnodes share similarities in thallus anatomy, spore type, overall morphology, and ecology, suggesting a close relationship. However, Caloplaca brattiae may also share a common ancestor with P. coralloides, as indicated by several similar features. [4]

It is commonly known as the "coral firedot lichen". [5]

Description

Polycauliona coralloides is a dwarf-fruticose lichen that forms dense to loose cushions up to 2 cm (13⁄16 in) in diameter and 8 mm (5⁄16 in) in height. Its branches are terete , dichotomous (or at least somewhat so) and can be erect, arched, or almost prostrate; [4] they measure about 0.4 mm in diameter and are round and bumpy. [6] The thallus is yellow to orange-yellow and may have pseudocyphellae in small depressions. [4] Initially, P. coralloides forms elongated thallus lobes that adhere closely to the substrate , but over time, it evolves into a distinctly subfruticose thallus. [7] Apothecia are fairly common, zeorine , and can be at the ends of branches or long them. Their disk color is slightly darker than that of the thallus. The spores are polaribilocular and ellipsoid, with a very thin septum. [4]

Chemically, the species is characterized by the presence of parietin as the major pigment, along with small amounts of emodin, teloschistin, parietinic acid, and fallacinal. The thallus and apothecia react K+ (purple), while the medulla shows negative reactions to standard chemical spot tests. [4]

Similar species

Polycauliona coralloides is often confused with Xanthoria cf. candelaria and Caloplaca thamnodes . X. cf. candelaria differs by having flat lobes with an upper and lower surface and is mostly sorediate, which C. coralloides never is. C. thamnodes, while closely related, can be distinguished by its little branched thallus, slightly thicker branches, darker orange color, and a more southern distribution. [4] The New Zealand endemic Austroplaca erecta has some similarities to P. coralloides. Austroplaca erecta is distinguished by its less prominent pseudocyphellae, differing lobe anatomy, wider ascospores with longer septa, and larger conidia. [8] Caloplaca thamnodes , found in Baja California, is a species similar to Polycauliona coralloides but is distinguishable by its less branched thallus, marginally thicker branches, and a more pronounced dark orange hue. [9]

Habitat, distribution, and ecology

Polycauliona coralloides Polycauliona coralloides 112096138.jpg
Polycauliona coralloides

Polycauliona coralloides is a strictly littoral species, found close to the seashore, predominantly on hard rocks and mainly on vertical surfaces. It typically grows in the lower part of the supralittoral zone within a narrow vertical range. The species often occupies locations closer to the shore than Caloplaca rosei and Caloplaca brattiae and avoids sites exposed to bird manuring. [4] As might be expected for a littoral species, it is quite tolerant to sea salt. [10]

The distribution of P. coralloides extends from northern Baja California, Mexico, to northern Oregon. Its presence further south is possible, but not likely further north due to unsuitable habitats in these regions. [4] It has also been documented in Channel Islands National Park. [11]

Stigmidium hesperium is a lichenicolous fungus, first described in 2009, that parasitises Polycauliona coralloides. Infection by the fungus results in erosion and bleaching of the thallus and apothecia. [12]

Related Research Articles

<i>Rusavskia elegans</i> Species of lichenised fungus

Rusavskia elegans, commonly known as the elegant sunburst lichen, is a lichenized species of fungus in the genus Rusavskia, family Teloschistaceae. Recognized by its bright orange or red pigmentation, this species grows on rocks, often near bird or rodent perches. It has a circumpolar and alpine distribution. It was one of the first lichens to be used for the rock-face dating method known as lichenometry.

Caloplaca durietzii, or Durietz's orange lichen, a smooth surfaced yellowish orange crustose areolate lichen with elongated lobes that grows on wood or bark in southwestern North America. It is commonly seen growing on old junipers in Joshua Tree National Monument in the Mojave Desert. It is in the Caloplaca fungus genus of the Teloschistaceae family.

<i>Gyalolechia</i> Genus of lichen-forming fungi

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<i>Igneoplaca</i> Lichen genus

Igneoplaca is a genus in the subfamily Xanthorioideae of the family Teloschistaceae. It contains a single species, the crustose lichen Igneoplaca ignea.

<i>Polycauliona</i> Genus of lichen

Polycauliona is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Teloschistaceae.

Variospora cancarixiticola is a species of saxicolous (rock-dwelling), crustose lichen in the family Teloschistaceae. It is found in southeastern Spain, where it grows on cancarixite, a volcanic rock known only to occur in that country.

<i>Xanthocarpia feracissima</i> Species of lichen

Xanthocarpia feracissima is a species of saxicolous, crustose lichen in the family Teloschistaceae. It was first formally described as a new species in 1953 by Swedish lichenologist Adolf Hugo Magnusson, as a member of the genus Caloplaca. The type specimen was collected in 1939 by John Walter Thomson in Lake Koshkonong, Wisconsin. In the original description, Magnusson notes a similarity to the lichen now known as Gyalolechia flavovirescens, but distinguishes the new species by its lack of a visible thallus, the sordid-reddish color of its discs, and the "unusually narrow" septa of the spores. Patrik Frödén, Ulf Arup, and Ulrik Søchting transferred the taxon to Xanthocarpia in 2013, following molecular phylogenetic analysis of the family Teloschistaceae.

Teuvoahtiana is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Teloschistaceae. It contains three species of saxicolous (rock-dwelling), crustose lichens, all of which occur in South America.

<i>Rusavskia</i> Genus of lichens

Rusavskia is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Teloschistaceae. It has 12 species. It is a member of the subfamily Xanthorioideae. The thallus of Rusavskia is characterized by its foliose (leaf-like) structure with distinct and typically narrow lobes that curve outwards.

<i>Obscuroplaca</i> Genus of lichen-forming fungi

Obscuroplaca is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Teloschistaceae. It contains three species of corticolous (bark-dwelling), crustose lichens.

Solitaria is a fungal genus in the family Teloschistaceae. It contains a single species, the corticolous (bark-dwelling), crustose lichen Solitaria chrysophthalma.

Hosseusiella is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Teloschistaceae. It has three species of crustose to foliose (leafy) lichens, some of which grow on bark, while others grow on rock. All three occur in the southern part of the South American continent, where they are fairly common.

<i>Flavoplaca arcis</i> Species of lichen

Flavoplaca arcis is a species of saxicolous (rock-dwelling), crustose to squamulose (scaley) lichen in the family Teloschistaceae. Although widely distributed in Northern, Central, and Western Europe, it is not commmonly encountered.

Elixjohnia gallowayi is a species of saxicolous (rock-dwelling), crustose lichen in the family Teloschistaceae. It has a vividly coloured thallus, ranging in hues from bright red to reddish-orange. It is found in Australia.

Cerothallia subluteoalba is a species of corticolous (bark-dwelling), crustose lichen in the family Teloschistaceae. Found in Australia, it was described as a new species in 2009. This species is distinguished by its numerous bright yellow to soft yellow-orange apothecia, tiny spores with slim dividers (septa), and a barely distinguishable thallus that either fades away or grows inside its host.

Sirenophila maccarthyi is a species of corticolous/lignicolous, crustose lichen in the family Teloschistaceae. It has a thallus that is whitish or greyish, often inconspicuous and not always continuous, which can appear darker or dirty grey near its numerous, clustered apothecia. Sirenophila maccarthyi is distributed across regions including Western Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and New Zealand, in both coastal and inland habitats. It typically grows on the bark and dead wood of a wide range of trees and shrubs such as Acacia sophorae, Araucaria excelsa, and various Eucalyptus species.

Caloplaca sterilis is a corticolous (bark-dwelling), crustose lichen belonging to the family Teloschistaceae, described in 2011. It is primarily found in steppe and sand dune habitats in the Black Sea region, and has been recorded from Bulgaria, Romania, southwest Russia, and Ukraine. Caloplaca sterilis is characterised by tiny squamules/areoles with contrasting pale greyish-green to greenish soredia. It is easily overlooked and challenging to identify when completely sorediate and sterile, especially as its soredia do not contain the typical Sedifolia-grey pigment.

Pyrenodesmia micromarina is a species of saxicolous (rock-dwelling), crustose lichen in the family Teloschistaceae. It is found in the Eastern Mediterranean, specifically along the coasts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara in Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine. It grows on coastal rocks and occasionally concrete, often in Mediterranean scrub vegetation.

<i>Polycauliona bolacina</i> Species of lichen

Polycauliona bolacina, the waxy firedot lichen, is a species of saxicolous (rock-dwelling), crustose lichen in the family Teloschistaceae. It is found in western North America.

Flavoplaca arcisproxima is a species of saxicolous (rock-dwelling), crustose lichen in the family Teloschistaceae. It is found primarily in the coastal regions of the Crimean Peninsula and the eastern Mediterranean, particularly in Crete, Greece.

References

  1. ↑ "Synonymy. Current Name: Polycauliona coralloides (Tuck.) Hue, C. r. Congr. Soc. sav., Paris Dépts, Sec. Sci.: 154 (1909) [1908]". Species Fungorum . Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Polycauliona coralloides (Tuck.) Hue". Catalogue of Life . Species 2000: Leiden, the Netherlands. Retrieved December 22, 2023.
  3. ↑ Hue, Auguste-Marie (1909). "Sur un nouveau genre de Lichens exotiques" [On a new genus of exotic lichens]. Comptes-rendus du Congrès des sociétés savantes de Paris et des départements (in French). 1908: 150–155.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Arup, Ulf (1995). "Eight species of Caloplaca in Coastal Western North America". The Bryologist. 98 (1): 92–111. doi:10.2307/3243645. JSTOR   3243645.
  5. 1 2 Brodo, Irwin M.; Sharnoff, Sylvia Duran; Sharnoff, Stephen (2001). Lichens of North America. Yale University Press. pp. 198–199. ISBN   978-0300082494.
  6. ↑ Wright, D.M. (2000). "Guide to the Macrolichens of California: Part 1, the Orange Pigmented Species" (PDF). Bulletin of the California Lichen Society. 7 (1).
  7. ↑ Søchting, Ulrik; Lutzoni, François (2003). "Molecular phylogenetic study at the generic boundary between the lichen-forming fungi Caloplaca and Xanthoria (Ascomycota, Teloschistaceae)". Mycological Research. 107 (11): 1266–1276. doi:10.1017/s0953756203008529. PMID   15000229.
  8. ↑ Arup, Ulf; Mayrhofer, Helmut (2000). "Caloplaca erecta, a new subfruticose species from New Zealand". The Lichenologist. 32 (4): 359–363. doi:10.1006/lich.2000.0273.
  9. ↑ Arup, Ulf (1995). "Littoral species of Caloplaca in North America: a summary and a key". The Bryologist. 98 (1): 129–140. doi:10.2307/3243649. JSTOR   3243649.
  10. ↑ Nash III, T.H.; Lange, O.L. (1988). "Responses of lichens to salinity: concentration and time-course relationships and variability among Californian species". New Phytologist. 109 (3): 361–367. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-8137.1988.tb04206.x .
  11. ↑ Knudsen, Kerry; Kocourková, Jana (2012). "The annotated checklist of lichens, lichenicolous and allied fungi of Channel Islands National Park". Opuscula Philolichenum. 11: 145–302 [149].
  12. ↑ Kocourková, Jana; Knudsen, Kerry (2009). "A new species of Stigmidium (Mycosphaerellaceae, Ascomycetes) from western North America". Czech Mycology. 61 (1): 73–80. doi:10.33585/cmy.61105.
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