Why in news?
Scientists from India’s Botanical Survey and university research departments announced the discovery of a lichen species named Allographa effusosoredica from the Western Ghats. The find attracted attention because lichens are indicators of ecosystem health, and new species highlight the rich biodiversity of India’s mountain forests.
What are lichens?
Lichens are unique organisms formed by a partnership between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. The fungus provides shelter and minerals, while the alga produces food through photosynthesis. They grow on rocks, trees and soil in a variety of climates. Because they absorb nutrients from the atmosphere, they are sensitive to pollution and are often used to assess air quality.
Features of Allographa effusosoredica
- Appearance: The lichen has a greyish, crusty body (thallus) with abundant powdery structures called soredia. These soredia help it reproduce by breaking off and dispersing.
- Chemistry: Chemical tests revealed specific secondary metabolites that distinguish it from related species. These compounds may have medicinal or ecological importance.
- Habitat: It was found on the bark of evergreen trees in the montane forests of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage region known for endemic flora and fauna.
Importance
The discovery underlines the need for continued exploration and documentation of India’s biodiversity. Lichens contribute to nutrient cycling and soil formation. By identifying new species scientists can monitor environmental changes and provide baseline data for conservation. Protecting the Western Ghats from deforestation and pollution will ensure that such delicate organisms continue to thrive.