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New Lichen Species - Allographa effusosoredica
July 25 , 2025
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- The Indian scientists have recently uncovered a previously unknown species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, from Western Ghats.
- The study was done by MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune.
- It marks the first Indian Allographa species supported by molecular data.
- It becomes the 53rd species from the genus reported from India and the 22nd from the Western Ghats alone.
- It is characterized by effuse soredia (a type of asexual reproductive structure) and a rare chemical, norstictic acid, which differentiates it from similar species.
- The lichen’s photobiont partner was identified as a Trentepohlia species, thus enriching the knowledge of algal diversity in tropical symbioses.
- Morphologically, it closely resembles Graphis glaucescens, although it is genetically aligned with Allographa xanthospora.
- Lichens are not just one organism but two (sometimes more) living in intimate symbiosis:
- A fungus that offers structure and protection, and
- A photobiont (usually a green alga or cyanobacterium) that captures sunlight and makes food.
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