Xanthoparmelia kimberleyensis is a species of foliose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae,[1] described by John Alan Elix in 2003. It is endemic to the Kimberley region of Western Australia.[2]
| Xanthoparmelia kimberleyensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Lecanorales |
| Family: | Parmeliaceae |
| Genus: | Xanthoparmelia |
| Species: | X. kimberleyensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Xanthoparmelia kimberleyensis Elix (2003)
| |
| |
| Holotype: Western Australia | |
Taxonomy
editXanthoparmelia kimberleyensis was distinguished as a new species due to its unique chemical profile and morphological features that differ from closely related species such as Xanthoparmelia isidiosa. This species forms part of the diverse genus genus Xanthoparmelia genus known for its foliose (leafy) thalli and diverse secondary metabolites.[2]
Description
editThe thallus of Xanthoparmelia kimberleyensis is small-foliose, closely adhering to the substrate, and extends up to 5 cm (2 in) across. The lobes are closely set, often slightly overlapping, and range from 0.8 to 2.0 mm wide. These lobes are flat, dull in the centre but shiny at the tips, and develop irregular cracks with age, eventually forming a mosaic-like pattern in the centre.[2]
Isidia, or small outgrowths used in reproduction, are moderately dense on this lichen, ranging from spherical to short-cylindrical shapes. They are simple, sometimes branched, and maintain their integrity without bursting open. The upper surface starts as yellow-green but darkens over time.[2]
The lower surface is dark brown to brown-black, with sparse, colour-matching rhizines that are simple in structure. No fruiting bodies (apothecia) or asexual spore-producing structures (pycnidia) have been observed on the specimens studied.[2]
Chemistry
editChemical spot tests on Xanthoparmelia kimberleyensis show a medulla that reacts K+ (yellow turning to dark red) and P+ (orange-red), indicating the presence of salazinic acid as the major secondary metabolite (lichen product), along with minor amounts of usnic acid, butlerin D and G, consalazinic acid, norstictic acid, and traces of protocetraric acid.[2]
Habitat and distribution
editThis species is exclusively found in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, particularly at Donkey Escarpment near Drysdale River Station. It grows on sandstone rocks within Eucalyptus woodlands, indicating its preference for rocky, open areas.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Xanthoparmelia kimberleyensis Elix". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000: Leiden, the Netherlands. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g Elix, John A. (2003). "New species and new records of Xanthoparmelia (lichenized Ascomycota, Parmeliaceae) from Western Australia". The Lichenologist. 35 (4): 291–299. Bibcode:2003ThLic..35..291E. doi:10.1016/s0024-2829(03)00040-9.