Aptroot, A. 2013: [Abstract:] Ecology of the lichen family Trypetheliaceae in Brazil. - Livro de Resumos do Sexto Encontro do Grupo Brasileiro de Liquenólogos1: 16. [RLL List # 243 / Rec.# 37520] Abstract: The lichen family Trypetheliaceae is restricted to the tropics. At the moment c. 150 species are described. They are unusual among the lichens in that they are not just superficially and harmlessly growing on bark of trees, but are actually interacting with the host bark and often causing galls. The family is generally thought to be most abundant and species-rich in savannah/Caatinga-vegetation. However, recent collections from expeditions in Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil (especially Rondónia) suggest that they may be most speciose in rain forest, where they grow both on the branches and on the large trunks. Numerous undescribed species have recently been found in these countries. The purpose of the research was to find out the similarities and dissimilarities in species composition between the primary and secondary localities sampled extensively for Trypetheliaceae in Rondônia, and make a distinction between the species growing on tree trunks and branches in the primary forest. The primary forest is most speciose, as it contains the unique element on the trunks. Unexpected was that the species on the branches in rain-forest are partly unique, and not shared with the trunks in the same forest or nearby with secondary localities. A list of species that is restricted to primary forests can be used to assess the status of forest patches of which the history is disputed or unknown. As lichens are always present (not depending on weather or time of the year) this would be a test that can be performed every day and with a single field visit.
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