Leucodermia leucomelos (L.) Kalb
in Mongkolsuk & al., Phytotaxa, 235, 1: 35, 2015. Basionym: Lichen leucomelos L. - Sp. Pl., 2 ed.: 1613, 1763.
Synonyms: Anaptychia leucomelaena auct.; Anaptychia leucomelos (L.) A. Massal.; Heterodermia leucomelos (L.) Poelt; Physcia leucomelos (L.) Michx.
Distribution: C - Tosc, Sar (Di Nuzzo & al. 2022). S - Si (Nimis & al. 1994, Ottonello & Romano 1997, Ottonello & Puntillo 2009, Ottonello & al. 2011).
Description: Thallus foliose to subfruticose, of strap-shaped, dichotomously branched, several cm long, 0.5-4 mm wide lobes provided with long, dark, mostly branched marginal cilia. Upper surface whitish to cream-colored, smooth, somehow shiny, lower surface white to rarely pale brown, ecorticate and erhizinate, arachnoid, sometimes with irregular soralia. Apothecia extremely rare (not observed in Italian material), lecanorine, subterminal and stipitate, 2-3(-5) mm across, with a dark brown to black, more or less pruinose disc, and a crenulate to lobulate thalline margin. Asci 8-spored, clavate, the K/I+ blue tholus penetrated by a faintly amyloid apical cushion with parallel or diverging flanks, the wall K/I-, surrounded by a K/I+ blue outer layer, Lecanora-type. Ascospores 1-septate, brown, ellipsoid, of the Polyblastidium-type (with sporoblastidia), 30-50 x 15-23 µm. Pycnidia rare, immersed. Conidia hyaline, bacilliform, 4-5 x c. 1 µm. Photobiont chlorococcoid. Spot tests: cortex K+ yellow, C-, KC-, P+ faintly yellow, UV-; medulla K+ yellow turning red, C-, KC- or KC+ yellow turning red, P+ yellow-orange, UV-. Chemistry: cortex with atranorin and chloroatranorin, medulla with atranorin, zeorin and variable amounts of salazinic acid.Note: a humid subtropical to mild-temperate species found on bark and over epiphytic and epilithic bryophytes, sometimes on siliceous rocks in very humid areas with a mild climate, generally near the coast. The sample from Sardinia, identified by J. Poelt, was collected by B. Feige at M. Ferru. An earlier record from Trentino-Alto Adige (see Nimis 1993: 316), being very dubious, is not accepted here. It is included in the Italian red list of epiphytic lichens as “Critically Endangered” (Nascimbene & al. 2013c). The old epithets leucomela and leucomelaenos are misspellings.
Growth form: Foliose, narrow lobed
Substrata: bark
Photobiont: green algae other than Trentepohlia
Reproductive strategy: mainly asexual, by soredia, or soredia-like structures (e.g. blastidia)
Restricted to humid-warm, oceanic areas
Commonnes-rarity: (info)
Alpine belt: absent
Subalpine belt: absent
Oromediterranean belt: absent
Montane belt: absent
Submediterranean belt: absent
Padanian area: absent
Humid submediterranean belt: absent
Humid mediterranean belt: extremely rare
Dry mediterranean belt: absent
Predictive model
Herbarium samples
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
[KK13865], Ostafrika, Kenya[KK37759], Costa Rica, Puntarenas, Fila Cruces Ridge, Umgebung des „Las Cruces Tropical Botanical Garden“, ca. 4 km südsüdöstlich von San Vito, prämontane Regenwaldzone, 1300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & G. Plöbst, 31.12.1978.Central Province, Nanyuki District, zwischen Naru Moru und dem Mount Kenya, 2300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & A. Schrögl, 14.08.1985, det. Kalb.
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (8855)
2001/11/24
detail of lower surface
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (8855)
2001/11/24
tip of lobes with cilia seen from below
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
[KK13865], Ostafrika, Kenya[KK37759], Costa Rica, Puntarenas, Fila Cruces Ridge, Umgebung des „Las Cruces Tropical Botanical Garden“, ca. 4 km südsüdöstlich von San Vito, prämontane Regenwaldzone, 1300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & G. Plöbst, 31.12.1978.Central Province, Nanyuki District, zwischen Naru Moru und dem Mount Kenya, 2300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & A. Schrögl, 14.08.1985, det. Kalb.
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
[KK13865], Ostafrika, Kenya[KK37759], Costa Rica, Puntarenas, Fila Cruces Ridge, Umgebung des „Las Cruces Tropical Botanical Garden“, ca. 4 km südsüdöstlich von San Vito, prämontane Regenwaldzone, 1300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & G. Plöbst, 31.12.1978.Central Province, Nanyuki District, zwischen Naru Moru und dem Mount Kenya, 2300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & A. Schrögl, 14.08.1985, det. Kalb.
Felix Schumm – CC BY-SA 4.0
Image from: F. Schumm (2008) - Flechten Madeiras, der Kanaren und Azoren. Beck, OHG - ISBN: 978-3-00-023700-3
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
[KK13865], Ostafrika, Kenya[KK37759], Costa Rica, Puntarenas, Fila Cruces Ridge, Umgebung des „Las Cruces Tropical Botanical Garden“, ca. 4 km südsüdöstlich von San Vito, prämontane Regenwaldzone, 1300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & G. Plöbst, 31.12.1978.Central Province, Nanyuki District, zwischen Naru Moru und dem Mount Kenya, 2300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & A. Schrögl, 14.08.1985, det. Kalb.
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
[KK13865], Ostafrika, Kenya[KK37759], Costa Rica, Puntarenas, Fila Cruces Ridge, Umgebung des „Las Cruces Tropical Botanical Garden“, ca. 4 km südsüdöstlich von San Vito, prämontane Regenwaldzone, 1300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & G. Plöbst, 31.12.1978.Central Province, Nanyuki District, zwischen Naru Moru und dem Mount Kenya, 2300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & A. Schrögl, 14.08.1985, det. Kalb.
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (8855)
2001/11/24
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
Image from: F. Schumm (2008) - Flechten Madeiras, der Kanaren und Azoren. Beck, OHG - ISBN: 978-3-00-023700-3
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
Image from: F. Schumm (2008) - Flechten Madeiras, der Kanaren und Azoren. Beck, OHG - ISBN: 978-3-00-023700-3
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
Image from: F. Schumm (2008) - Flechten Madeiras, der Kanaren und Azoren. Beck, OHG - ISBN: 978-3-00-023700-3
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
Image from: F. Schumm (2008) - Flechten Madeiras, der Kanaren und Azoren. Beck, OHG - ISBN: 978-3-00-023700-3
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
Image from: F. Schumm (2008) - Flechten Madeiras, der Kanaren und Azoren. Beck, OHG - ISBN: 978-3-00-023700-3
Nere Sorrentino
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife
Nere Sorrentino
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Pier Luigi Nimis CC BY-SA 4.0
TSB 36866
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Texte_L_5/Leucodermia_leucomelos.htm
France, pointe du Raz - 2011 - Finistère
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Texte_L_5/Leucodermia_leucomelos.htm
France, session AFL 2007 - Finistère
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Texte_L_5/Leucodermia_leucomelos.htm
France, session AFL 2007 - Finistère
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Kerdreux
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Kerdreux
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Kerdreux
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Cap de la Chèvre
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Pointe de Pen-Hir
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Pointe de Pen-Hir
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Pointe de Pen-Hir
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Cap de la Chèvre
Bernard Bouffinier - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=1153&lang=en
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Bernard Bouffinier - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=1153&lang=en
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Bernard Bouffinier - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=1153&lang=en
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Bernard Bouffinier - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=1153&lang=en
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Bernard Bouffinier - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=1153&lang=en
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Bernard Bouffinier - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=1153&lang=en
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
[ABL50893], Brazil, Alagoas, Quebrangulo, Pedra Talhada, Serra do
Boi. On exposed siliceous rock in Atlantic rain forest. 9°14'28'' S,
36°25'11'' W, 800 m. Leg. M. Cáceres, A. Aptroot (no 50893), & J.G.
Cavalcante, 25 July 2019, det. A. Aptroot 2019.
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
[ABL50893], Brazil, Alagoas, Quebrangulo, Pedra Talhada, Serra do
Boi. On exposed siliceous rock in Atlantic rain forest. 9°14'28'' S,
36°25'11'' W, 800 m. Leg. M. Cáceres, A. Aptroot (no 50893), & J.G.
Cavalcante, 25 July 2019, det. A. Aptroot 2019.
Growth form: Foliose, narrow lobed
Substrata: bark
Photobiont: green algae other than Trentepohlia
Reproductive strategy: mainly asexual, by soredia, or soredia-like structures (e.g. blastidia)
Restricted to humid-warm, oceanic areas
Commonnes-rarity: (info)
Alpine belt: absent
Subalpine belt: absent
Oromediterranean belt: absent
Montane belt: absent
Submediterranean belt: absent
Padanian area: absent
Humid submediterranean belt: absent
Humid mediterranean belt: extremely rare
Dry mediterranean belt: absent
Predictive model
| Herbarium samples |
Index Fungorum
GBIF
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
[KK13865], Ostafrika, Kenya[KK37759], Costa Rica, Puntarenas, Fila Cruces Ridge, Umgebung des „Las Cruces Tropical Botanical Garden“, ca. 4 km südsüdöstlich von San Vito, prämontane Regenwaldzone, 1300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & G. Plöbst, 31.12.1978.Central Province, Nanyuki District, zwischen Naru Moru und dem Mount Kenya, 2300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & A. Schrögl, 14.08.1985, det. Kalb.
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (8855)
2001/11/24
detail of lower surface
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (8855)
2001/11/24
tip of lobes with cilia seen from below
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
[KK13865], Ostafrika, Kenya[KK37759], Costa Rica, Puntarenas, Fila Cruces Ridge, Umgebung des „Las Cruces Tropical Botanical Garden“, ca. 4 km südsüdöstlich von San Vito, prämontane Regenwaldzone, 1300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & G. Plöbst, 31.12.1978.Central Province, Nanyuki District, zwischen Naru Moru und dem Mount Kenya, 2300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & A. Schrögl, 14.08.1985, det. Kalb.
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
[KK13865], Ostafrika, Kenya[KK37759], Costa Rica, Puntarenas, Fila Cruces Ridge, Umgebung des „Las Cruces Tropical Botanical Garden“, ca. 4 km südsüdöstlich von San Vito, prämontane Regenwaldzone, 1300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & G. Plöbst, 31.12.1978.Central Province, Nanyuki District, zwischen Naru Moru und dem Mount Kenya, 2300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & A. Schrögl, 14.08.1985, det. Kalb.
Felix Schumm – CC BY-SA 4.0
Image from: F. Schumm (2008) - Flechten Madeiras, der Kanaren und Azoren. Beck, OHG - ISBN: 978-3-00-023700-3
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
[KK13865], Ostafrika, Kenya[KK37759], Costa Rica, Puntarenas, Fila Cruces Ridge, Umgebung des „Las Cruces Tropical Botanical Garden“, ca. 4 km südsüdöstlich von San Vito, prämontane Regenwaldzone, 1300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & G. Plöbst, 31.12.1978.Central Province, Nanyuki District, zwischen Naru Moru und dem Mount Kenya, 2300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & A. Schrögl, 14.08.1985, det. Kalb.
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
[KK13865], Ostafrika, Kenya[KK37759], Costa Rica, Puntarenas, Fila Cruces Ridge, Umgebung des „Las Cruces Tropical Botanical Garden“, ca. 4 km südsüdöstlich von San Vito, prämontane Regenwaldzone, 1300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & G. Plöbst, 31.12.1978.Central Province, Nanyuki District, zwischen Naru Moru und dem Mount Kenya, 2300 m. Leg. K. Kalb & A. Schrögl, 14.08.1985, det. Kalb.
P.L. Nimis; Owner: Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste
Herbarium: TSB (8855)
2001/11/24
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
Image from: F. Schumm (2008) - Flechten Madeiras, der Kanaren und Azoren. Beck, OHG - ISBN: 978-3-00-023700-3
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
Image from: F. Schumm (2008) - Flechten Madeiras, der Kanaren und Azoren. Beck, OHG - ISBN: 978-3-00-023700-3
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
Image from: F. Schumm (2008) - Flechten Madeiras, der Kanaren und Azoren. Beck, OHG - ISBN: 978-3-00-023700-3
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
Image from: F. Schumm (2008) - Flechten Madeiras, der Kanaren und Azoren. Beck, OHG - ISBN: 978-3-00-023700-3
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
Image from: F. Schumm (2008) - Flechten Madeiras, der Kanaren und Azoren. Beck, OHG - ISBN: 978-3-00-023700-3
Nere Sorrentino
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife
Nere Sorrentino
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Pier Luigi Nimis CC BY-SA 4.0
TSB 36866
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Texte_L_5/Leucodermia_leucomelos.htm
France, pointe du Raz - 2011 - Finistère
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Texte_L_5/Leucodermia_leucomelos.htm
France, session AFL 2007 - Finistère
Courtesy Danièle et Olivier Gonnet - Source: https://www.afl-lichenologie.fr/Photos_AFL/Photos_AFL_L/Texte_L_5/Leucodermia_leucomelos.htm
France, session AFL 2007 - Finistère
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Kerdreux
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Kerdreux
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Kerdreux
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Cap de la Chèvre
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Pointe de Pen-Hir
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Pointe de Pen-Hir
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Pointe de Pen-Hir
Michel David - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=37&lang=en
France, Cap de la Chèvre
Bernard Bouffinier - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=1153&lang=en
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Bernard Bouffinier - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=1153&lang=en
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Bernard Bouffinier - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=1153&lang=en
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Bernard Bouffinier - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=1153&lang=en
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Bernard Bouffinier - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=1153&lang=en
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Bernard Bouffinier - Source: http://www.lichensmaritimes.org/index.php?task=fiche&lichen=1153&lang=en
Spain, Canary Islands, Tenerife, Anaga
Felix Schumm - CC BY-SA 4.0
[ABL50893], Brazil, Alagoas, Quebrangulo, Pedra Talhada, Serra do Boi. On exposed siliceous rock in Atlantic rain forest. 9°14'28'' S, 36°25'11'' W, 800 m. Leg. M. Cáceres, A. Aptroot (no 50893), & J.G. Cavalcante, 25 July 2019, det. A. Aptroot 2019.
