Buellia maharajensis

Buellia maharajensis Latest News

Researchers have discovered a new species of lichen, Buellia maharajensis, in Mathikettan Shola National Park. 

About Buellia maharajensis

• It is a new species of lichen.
• It is the fourth lichen variety discovered within Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala.
• Features of Buellia maharajensis
  • It is saxicolous lichen that grows directly on rock surfaces and was recorded at an elevation of approximately 1,351 m.

Key Facts about Lichen

• 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. 
• Habitat: 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.

Source: THb

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