Current Status of Lichen Genus Usnea sensu lato in Kerala, Part of Western Ghats with Four New Records to the State

Arun Christy; Aswathi Anilkumar; Lekshmi MK; Anil Kumar AK; Mathew Steephan; Stephen Sequeira

Arun Christy Lichenology Lab, Post Graduate and Research Department of Botany, Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam – 682 011, Kerala, India.
Aswathi Anilkumar Lichenology Lab, Post Graduate and Research Department of Botany, Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam – 682 011, Kerala, India.
Lekshmi MK Centre for Applied Mycology and Lichenology, Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 014, Kerala, India.
Anil Kumar AK Centre for Applied Mycology and Lichenology, Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 014, Kerala, India.
Mathew Steephan Lichenology Lab, Post Graduate and Research Department of Botany, Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam – 682 011, Kerala, India.
Stephen Sequeira Lichenology Lab, Post Graduate and Research Department of Botany, Maharaja’s College, Ernakulam – 682 011, Kerala, India.

Keywords: Dolichousnea, Eumitria, Fruticose, Lichenized fungi, Parmeliaceae, Usnea sensu stricto.

Abstract

A detailed taxonomic study was conducted on the genus Usnea based on field collections from
different areas of Kerala, India. Over 180 samples were collected, examined and critically
evaluated for morphological, anatomical, and chemical features. The work resulted in the
enumeration of 42 species of Usnea sensu lato from the state. Four of these species are reported
for the first time from Kerala. The present paper highlights the necessity of further exploration
and documentation of lichen biota in poorly explored tropical regions.

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