Species of lichen
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Usnea subcomplecta is a species of fruticose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae. It is found in the Galápagos Islands. It is characterized by its flaccid branches, blackened trunk, and ;dfn id="" ;pruinose ;/dfn ; cortex surface.
Taxonomy.
"Usnea subcomplecta" was first described by Camille Truong, Philippe Clerc, and Maria de los Angeles Herrera-Campos in 2018. The species epithet was inspired by its superficial resemblance to "U. complecta". The type specimen was collected on Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos Islands, at an altitude of , where it was found growing on twigs of "Bursera graveolens".
Description.
The thallus of "Usnea subcomplecta" is erect-shrubby to sub- ;dfn id="" ;pendulous ;/dfn ;, flaccid, and soft to the touch. The branches are slightly inflated and covered in low ;dfn id="" ;tubercles ;/dfn ;. The trunk is usually blackened below the first ramification, and the cortex surface is ;dfn id="" ;pruinose ;/dfn ;. The lichen has plane, circular soralia with a thin cortical rim at maturity. The medulla is dense, and the species contains salazinic acid. ;dfn id="" ;Apothecia ;/dfn ; and ;dfn id="" ;pycnidia ;/dfn ; have not been observed in this species.
The distinguishing features of "Usnea subcomplecta" include its flaccid thallus with slightly inflated branches, blackish base below the first ramification, and plane, circular soralia. The pruinose cortex, opaque cortex, and dense medulla also help to differentiate this species from others in the genus. The soralia of "U. subcomplecta" remain plane and never become ;dfn id="" ;capitate ;/dfn ; or stipitate, which further sets it apart from "U. complecta".
Habitat and distribution.
"Usnea subcomplecta" is believed to be endemic to the Galápagos Islands, where it is a common species. It thrives in the humid and upper transition zones, as well as in some high-altitude dry zones. The lichen is usually found in open, often disturbed habitats such as farmland areas, fence posts, and trees along pastures. However, it can also be found within the Galápagos National Park among native vegetation such as "Zanthoxylum" woodland, "Psidium galapageium" woodland, "Scalesia" forests, and "Miconia" shrubland.
References.
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