Alyxoria varia is a widely distributed species of corticolous (bark-dwelling), crustose lichen in the family Lecanographaceae.[2] Its common name, scribble lichen, refers to the form of its ascomata (fruiting bodies), which are long or short, sometimes branched, and with blackened walls and bases. The thallus of the lichen is hidden mostly within the bark itself and barely visible.[3]
| Alyxoria varia | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Arthoniomycetes |
| Order: | Arthoniales |
| Family: | Lecanographaceae |
| Genus: | Alyxoria |
| Species: | A. varia
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| Binomial name | |
| Alyxoria varia (Pers.) Ertz & Tehler (2011)
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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List
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Taxonomy
editAlyxoria varia was described as a new species in 1794 by Christiaan Hendrik Persoon, who originally classified it in the genus Opegrapha. It has had a long and complicated taxonomic history, having been redescribed under different names several times.[1] It got its current binomial name when it was reclassified in the genus Alyxoria by Damien Ertz and Anders Tehler in 2011.[4] Alyxoria varia is thought to represent a complex of species with uncertain phylogenetic placement.[5]
Growth and development
editResearch on the growth and development of Alyxoria varia ascomata has provided insights into their longevity and reproductive strategies. A long-term study using sequential photography over several years revealed that ascomata can continue to grow for a decade or more, elongating from both ends. The growth rate of ascomata declines with age, with the most rapid growth occurring at initiation. Ascomata reach maturity (>1 mm long) in about 5 years, but can continue growing to reach lengths of approximately 3 mm after 10 years or more. Ascus development begins early, with even the smallest observed ascomata (0.19 mm long and estimated to be 10 months old) containing a high density of asci.[6]
The density of asci in the pseudohymenium is highest in younger, smaller ascomata and declines with age. Mature ascospores appear about 10 months after ascoma initiation. After reaching maturity at around 5 years, the ascus density within the pseudohymenium declines, although individual ascomata may persist for a decade or more.[6]
This growth pattern suggests that A. varia invests significantly in sexual reproduction from an early stage and continues this investment over an extended period, potentially enhancing its reproductive success and dispersal capabilities.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b "GSD Species Synonymy. Current Name: Alyxoria varia (Pers.) Ertz & Tehler, Fungal Diversity 49(1): 53 (2011)". Species Fungorum. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ "Alyxoria varia (Pers.) Ertz & Tehler". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000: Leiden, the Netherlands. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
- ^ Brodo, Irwin M.; Sharnoff, Sylvia Duran; Sharnoff, Stephen (2001). Lichens of North America. Yale University Press. p. 472. ISBN 978-0-300-08249-4.
- ^ Ertz, Damien; Tehler, Anders (2011). "The phylogeny of Arthoniales (Pezizomycotina) inferred from nucLSU and RPB2 sequences". Fungal Diversity. 49 (1): 47–71. doi:10.1007/s13225-010-0080-y.
- ^ Ertz, Damien; Miadlikowska, Jolanta; Lutzoni, François; Dessein, Steven; Raspé, Olivier; Vigneron, Nathalie; Hofstetter, Valérie; Diederich, Paul (2009). "Towards a new classification of the Arthoniales (Ascomycota) based on a three-gene phylogeny focussing on the genus Opegrapha". Mycological Research. 113 (1): 141–152. doi:10.1016/j.mycres.2008.09.002.
- ^ a b c Pentecost, Allan (2014). "Growth and development of ascomata in two species of Arthoniales, Arthonia calcarea and Alyxoria varia (Lichenized Ascomycota: Arthoniaceae and Lecanographaceae)". Nova Hedwigia. 98 (1–2): 41–49. doi:10.1127/0029-5035/2013/0136.