New Forest parmelia  (Parmelia minarum)

New Forest parmelia

Facts

Kingdom Fungi
Phylum Ascomycota
Class Ascomycetes
Order Lecanorales
Family Parmeliaceae
Genus Parmelia (1)
Size Thallus diameter: up to 5 cm (7)
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Status

Classified as Vulnerable in Great Britain (2) and is protected by Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (3).

Description

The New Forest parmelia is a 'foliose' lichen (2), this means that it has a leaf-like structure, comprising of thin lobes (4). The lobes are greyish-white in colour and have a somewhat glossy upper surface with mats of outgrowths called 'isidia' that are tipped with brown (2).

Range

In the UK, this species occurs only in southern England, in the New Forest in Hampshire, West Cornwall, Dorset and Devon (5). Elsewhere it is known from south-west Europe, south-east USA, Brazil, Central America, India, eastern and southern Africa, south-east Asia and Japan (2).

Habitat

In Cornwall this lichen grows on coastal rocks and trees, and on one turkey oak in a valley. In the New Forest it is known to occur on acid bark of old beech trees in ancient woodland habitat. It shows a preference for sheltered locations that are well lit, often at the edges of glades (3).

Biology

Lichens are remarkable organisms; they are stable combinations of an alga and/ or a cyanobacterium with a fungus, living together in a symbiotic association (6). The fungus causes the alga to release sugars, which allow the fungus to grow, reproduce and generally survive. The fungus provides protection for the alga, and enables it to live in environments in which it could not survive without the fungal partner (6). A general rule is that the fungal component of a lichen is unable to live independently, but the alga may live without the fungus as a distinct species (3). Many lichens are known to be very sensitive to environmental pollution, and they have been used as 'indicators' of pollution (4). Much confusion has occurred between the New Forest parmelia and the related lichen, Parmelia horrescens (2).

Threats

One identified threat is shading by regenerating holly plants in the New Forest (3). Other potential threats include tree felling and fire (5).

Conservation

Many of the sites that support this species are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). This lichen is not a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species, but has a Local Species Action Plan in Cornwall, which aims to maintain and enhance the current populations (5). The New Forest populations have been monitored and assessed, and it has been suggested that the Cornish populations are be similarly investigated (3).

Further Information

For more on this species see the Local Biodiversity Action Plan Species Action Plan for Cornwall, available on-line at:
http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/cornwall/wow/audit2/action_3.htm
For more on British Lichens see: Dobson, F. (2000) Lichens: An illustrated guide to the British species. The Richmond Publishing Co. Ltd., Slough.

Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

Glossary

Alga:  a collection of taxonomically unrelated groups that share some common features but are grouped together for historical reasons and for convenience. They are of simple construction, and are mainly photoautotrophic, obtaining all their energy from light and carbon dioxide, and possess the photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll A. They range in complexity from microscopic single cells to very complex plant-like forms, such as kelps. Algal groups include blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), red algae (rhodophyta), green algae (chlorophyta), brown algae and diatoms (chromista) as well as euglenophyta.
Cyanobacteria: Cyanobacteria: a group of bacteria that are able to photosynthesise and contain the pigment chlorophyll. They used to be known as 'blue-green algae'. They are thought to have been the first organisms to produce oxygen; fossil cyanobacteria have been found in 3000 million year old rocks. As they are responsible for the oxygen in the atmosphere they have played an essential role in influencing the course of evolution on this planet.
Symbiotic relationship: relationship in which two organisms form a close association, the term is now usually used only for associations that benefit both organisms (a mutualism).

References

  1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (May 2002)
    http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn
  2. Church, J.M., Coppins, B.J., Gilbert, O.L., James, P.W. & Stewart, N.F. (1996) Red Data Book of Britain and Ireland: lichens. Volume 1: Britain. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough.
  3. Environment Agency (1998) Species and Habitats Handbook: 'look-up' chart of species and their legal status. The Environment Agency, Bristol.
  4. Allaby, M. (1998) Oxford Dictionary of Plant Sciences. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
  5. Cornwall Wildlife Trust Species Action Plan (May 2002):
    http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/cornwall/wow/audit2/action_3.htm
  6. Dobson, F. (2000) Lichens. An illustrated guide to the British species. The Richmond Publishing Co. Ltd., Slough.
  7. Purvis, O.W., Coppins, B.J., Hawksworth, D.L., James, P.W. & Moore, D.M. (1992) The lichen flora of Great Britain and Ireland. The British Lichen Society, London.