Distribution of Lichen Species of the Genus Lepraria in the Knyszyn Forest (Ne Poland) in Different Forest Plant Communities

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution of lichen species of the genus Lepraria in Knyszyn Forest (NE Poland) to different forest plant communities. Six species of Lepraria [L. eburnea J. R. Laundon, L. elobata Tønsberg, L. incana (L.) Ach., L. jackii Tønsberg, L. lobificans Nyl. and L. vouaxii (Hue) R. C. Harris] recorded from Knyszyn Forest. Lepraria eburnea is a new species for the studied area. The most common species were Lepraria incana and L. lobificans. Among the studied forest communities the richest in species (5 species of Lepraria) were oak-hornbeam forest (Tilio-Carpinetum), and the least species-rich (2 species) were maple-linden slope forest (Aceri-Tilietum), alder carr (Carici elongatae-Alnetum) and spruce forest (Sphagno girgensohnii-Piceetum). The richest lichen diversity in the Knyszyn Forest was found on deciduous trees such as Carpinus betulus L. and Quercus robur L. (4 species), Tilia cordata Mill. (3 spp.), and conifers such as Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. and Pinus sylvestris L. (3 spp.).