Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1983

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Botany

Major Professor

David K. Smith

Committee Members

Edwrd Schilling, B. Eugene Wofford

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the macrolichen flora of Unaka Mountain. The study site, located centrally in the southern Appalachians, and the elevational zone, 3000 to 5238 ft., had not been studied previously. Results of this study expand and complement previous lichenological studies of high elevational areas in the southern Appalachians.

Microlichens were collected from available substrates in 14 sites representing the vascular plant communities and unique habitats present in this elevational zone. After morphological examination many specimens were examined for chemical composition using spot tests and, when important, thin layer chromatography. Lichen substances determined by these techniques formed the basis of identification of chemical species in many genera.

A total of 142 species in 40 genera were collected in the study area. Specimens were used to prepare descriptions expressing the range of variability within the species on Unaka Mountain. Keys were prepared to families, genera, and species, including taxa not collected in the study site but known from the southern Appalachians. Information for each species within the study area included substrate, community, and elevational preferences, and an estimate of abundance.

Distributional patterns of the species are compiled into 10 world and 11 North American patterns, and general preferences on Unaka Mountain. The report of Parmelina spathulata (Kurok.) Hale, the first for North America, represents a significant range extension from Its African distribution.

A number of nomenclatural changes have been recognized at both the generic and species level. The segregate genera Bryoria, Cladlna, Evernastrum, Hypotrachyna, Melanella, Parmelina, Parmotrema, Phaeophyscia, Physconia, and Pseudoparmella are used In this study. New specific epithets due to nomenclatural and taxonomic changes Include Cladonia rel Schaer., Collema subflaccidum Degel., Phaeophyscia rubropulchra (Degel.) Moberg, Physconia detersa (Nyl.) Poelt, and Ramallna amerlcana Hale.

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