Occurrence of 26 new additional records to the lichen biota of Assam

Abstract

The present study deals with 26 new records of lichens to Assam belonging to 14 genera, 9 families and one under Arthoniales from Ultapani Forest Range under Haltugaon Forest division of Kokrajhar district. The crustose lichen showed their dominance in the area with the percentage of 89% and foliose 11%. The members of Diploschistaceae family showed their dominance with three genera and 8 species followed by Graphidaceae with 6 species and Collemataceae, Pyrenulaceae and Thelotremataceae with two species each. The genera Hemithecium exhibited luxuriant growth with five species followed by Ocellularia with four species and Rhabdodiscus with three species. The present study reflects the richness of lichens in the study area. The dominance of Diploschistaceae and Graphidaceae member establishes the existence of semi-evergreen forest in the region and the presence of Ocellularia indicates healthy forest with ecological continuity.