(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) Lichen

(NOVEMBER-2025)

Researchers recently discovered four new lichen species, enhancing biodiversity understanding in the Western Ghats.

The newly identified species – Parmotrema sahyadricum (discovered from Wayanad), Solenopsora rhizomorpha (from Eravikulam and Mathikettanshola National Parks), Buelloa ghattensis (Mathikettanshola National Park) and Pyxine janakiae (Mathikettanshola National Park) – have been published in international scientific journals.
The work that started in 2022 resulted in these discoveries.
The team also recorded more than 50 species of lichens, which are new reports to the Kerala part of the Western Ghats.

A lichen is a symbiosis between different organisms — a fungus and an algae or cyanobacterium.
The basis of their relationship is the mutual benefit that they provide each other.
The photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria form simple carbohydrates that, when excreted, are absorbed by fungi cells and transformed into a different carbohydrate.
They also produce vitamins that the fungi need.
Fungi contribute to the symbiosis by absorbing water vapour from the air and by providing much-needed shade for the light-sensitive algae beneath.
The composite body of a lichen is called a thallus (plural thalli); the body is anchored to its substrate by hairlike growths called rhizines.
Lichens are found worldwide and occur in a variety of environmental conditions.
A diverse group of organisms, they can colonize a wide range of surfaces and are frequently found on tree bark, exposed rock, and as a part of biological soil crust.

They are a keystone species in many ecosystems.
They serve as a food source and habitat for many animals, such as deer, birds, and rodents.
They provide nesting materials for birds.
They protect trees and rocks from extreme elements such as rain, wind, and snow.

Lichens are considered as primary colonisers.
These invade bare areas and contribute to soil formation by breaking down rock minerals both physically and chemically and thus creating conditions for other species such as mosses and liverworts to follow.