Journal of Ecosystem & Ecography
Open Access

Abstract

Lichens are fungi that live in intimate symbiotic association with green algae or cyanobacteria. Diversity and distribution of lichens in worldwide is about 13,500- 17,000 species. The total number of species that are recorded in India is about 2000 - 2200 species. Out of which presently only 336 species are identified in Western Ghats of Karnataka. In the present study micro and macrolichens were collected and identified on the basis of morphology, anatomy and spot test in Mysore district. A total of 30 species belonging to 25 genera of 18 families were enumerated. Out of 30 species, 24 species were observed to be Crustose growth form in nature, 4 species were foliose growth form and 2 species were observed to be of fruticose growth form. Out of 30 species, 28 species are corticolous lichen and only one is saxicolous lichen. Among these, species of Graphis, Lecanora, Caloplaca, Chrysotrix, Dirinaria, Physcia, Parmotrema, Flavoparmelia, Porina, Ocellularia and Ochrolechia are found to be dominant in the surveyed region. Whereas species of Ramalina, Rocella, Coenogonium, Anthracothecium, Haemmotaema, Lecidea, Arthonia and Pheographis were found to be less in number. The richness of lichen diversity in this area indicates that there is a need for exploring much more diversity from surrounding districts and this would provide a baseline for further investigation and inventory of lichens

Biography

Rashmi S is presently working on ?Diversity and Bio prospecting of lichens in Southern Karnataka region? for her Ph.D degree in University of Mysore, Department of studies in botany, Manasagangotri, Mysore. She has publishes one research paper in a reputed journal.