Foliicolous lichens on Rhododendron

poschiavanus · #1 (**permalink**) 13-11-2010, 09:13 AM

Last week I noticed a few Rhododendron leaves with a thin scurfy layer of lichens. This was along the drive at Broomfield Hall (part of Derby College). Previously I have noticed similar lichens on Box leaves at Calke Park, and on an unidentified shrub in Nottingham Castle.

The lichens are only obviously visible at the largest size for the image of the leaf. There look to be possibly two species, one with a green thallus, the other with a paler browner thallus and small apothecia (just visible in the detailed scan).

The usual texts like Dobson have very little to say about this type of lichen (understandably). I have seen a Sorby Lichen recorders report for 1994-2003, which mentions the first record for Derbyshire of foliicolous lichens:

Quote:

"from evergreen leaves if ornamental box and Lawson's Cypress near Matlock". The community comprises Bacidia chloroticula, Fellhanera subtilis, Fellhaneropsis myrtillicola and Porina leptalea. ... thought to be spreading under the influence of climatic warming. Discovered by Ray Woods in 2003." (Gilbert, O. (2003). Sorby Record 39, 70-71)

I presume this is about the only clue I'm going to get as to the identity of these lichens.

JennyS · #2 (**permalink**) 13-11-2010, 10:13 AM

Hi Posch, how about sending a specimen to either your local recorder or to one of the BLS referee's?

AlanS · #3 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 10:35 PM

Yes, I agree these are good things to send to a referee. I have a couple of foliicolous lichens tucked away myself to get determined - just as soon as I remember where I tucked them!

Fellhanera might well be a good start.

(Will we end up having to conserve Rhododendron as an important lichen habitat???)

Alan

Dorts · #4 (**permalink**) 10-12-2010, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanS

(Will we end up having to conserve Rhododendron as an important lichen habitat???)

Alan

Hopefully not in these parts I hope!!
Dorts.

poschiavanus · #5 (**permalink**) 11-12-2010, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JennyS

Hi Posch, how about sending a specimen to either your local recorder or to one of the BLS referee's?

Sorry didn't reply, but happened to see a local BLS member on a fungus foray just after you'd posted and he echoed this, and was able to suggest people local-ish.