Allographa effusosoredica

Source: PIB

Context: A new species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica, has been discovered in the Western Ghats by scientists from MACS-Agharkar Research Institute, Pune.

About Allographa effusosoredica:

• What It Is? A newly identified crustose lichen species under the genus Allographa, belonging to the family Graphidaceae. Lichens are composite organisms formed by symbiosis between fungi and photosynthetic partners like algae or cyanobacteria.

• A newly identified crustose lichen species under the genus Allographa, belonging to the family Graphidaceae.

• Lichens are composite organisms formed by symbiosis between fungi and photosynthetic partners like algae or cyanobacteria.

• Found In: Discovered in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot. Adds to the growing inventory of lichen diversity in India—53 Allographa species reported, 22 from the Western Ghats alone.

• Discovered in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.

• Adds to the growing inventory of lichen diversity in India—53 Allographa species reported, 22 from the Western Ghats alone.

• Key Features: Shows effuse soredia, and presence of norstictic acid (a rare chemical trait within this genus). Possesses a Trentepohlia algal partner, strengthening understanding of tropical photobiont diversity. Mimics Graphis glaucescens morphologically but is genetically closer to Allographa xanthospora. DNA analysis used multiple genetic markers: mtSSU, LSU, RPB2 (fungal) and ITS (algal). Studied using polyphasic taxonomy—combining morphology, chemistry, and molecular tools.

• Shows effuse soredia, and presence of norstictic acid (a rare chemical trait within this genus).

• Possesses a Trentepohlia algal partner, strengthening understanding of tropical photobiont diversity.

• Mimics Graphis glaucescens morphologically but is genetically closer to Allographa xanthospora.

• DNA analysis used multiple genetic markers: mtSSU, LSU, RPB2 (fungal) and ITS (algal).

• Studied using polyphasic taxonomy—combining morphology, chemistry, and molecular tools.

• Significance: First time an Indian Allographa species has been sequenced using molecular markers. Highlights symbiotic co-adaptation between locally specific fungi and algae in tropical climates. Supports integrative taxonomy—crucial for accurately identifying cryptic species in biodiversity hotspots. Adds to conservation science by revealing hidden biodiversity that supports ecosystem health (e.g., bioindicators, soil generation).

• First time an Indian Allographa species has been sequenced using molecular markers.

• Highlights symbiotic co-adaptation between locally specific fungi and algae in tropical climates.

• Supports integrative taxonomy—crucial for accurately identifying cryptic species in biodiversity hotspots.

• Adds to conservation science by revealing hidden biodiversity that supports ecosystem health (e.g., bioindicators, soil generation).