Gyalideopsis sessilis is a species of foliicolous (leaf-dwelling) lichen in the family Gomphillaceae.[1] Found in Florida, it was formally described as a new species in 2015 by lichenologists William Sanders and Robert Lücking.
| Gyalideopsis sessilis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Graphidales |
| Family: | Gomphillaceae |
| Genus: | Gyalideopsis |
| Species: | G. sessilis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Gyalideopsis sessilis W.B.Sanders & Lücking (2015)
| |
Taxonomy
editGyalideopsis sessile was formally described by William Sanders and Robert Lücking as a new species distinct from Gyalideopsis vulgaris. The species epithet refers to the typically sessile propagule of diahyphae and incorporated photobionts. The type specimen was collected by the first author in Lee County, Florida, at the Florida Gulf Coast University campus on September 14, 2014.[2]
Description
editThe thallus of Gyalideopsis sessile is continuous to areolate, measuring 2–10 mm across and 15–25 μm thick. Its surface is irregularly verrucose due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, giving the lichen a distinct appearance. The apothecia are broadly sessile, light tan to orange-brown in color, and measure 0.15–0.3 mm in diameter. The lichen typically produces 1–2 (rarely 4) oblong to vermiform, 11–19 septate ascospores per ascus, which measure 50–80 by 6–12 μm. No substances have been detected in Gyalideopsis sessile using thin-layer chromatography.[2]
Habitat and Distribution
editGyalideopsis sessile has been found growing on the leaf blades of Sabal palmetto in live oak hammocks, specifically in Lee County, Florida. Additional specimens have been collected from Florida Gulf Coast University campus and Caloosahatchee Regional Park in Alva, Florida.[2]
References
edit- ^ "Gyalideopsis sessilis W.B. Sanders & Lücking". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000: Leiden, the Netherlands. Retrieved 14 April 2023.
- ^ a b c Sanders, William B.; Lücking, Robert (2015). "Three new species of foliicolous Gomphillaceae (lichen-forming ascomycetes) from southern Florida". The Bryologist. 118 (2): 170–177. doi:10.1639/0007-2745-118.2.170.