Allographa Effusosoredica: New Lichen Species in Western Ghats

Allographa effusosoredica is a newly discovered lichen species from Arunachal Pradesh, India, known for its unique morphological features and contribution to forest biodiversity.

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Context: A team of Indian scientists has uncovered a previously unknown species of lichen, Allographa effusosoredica from western ghats.

About the Allographa Effusosoredica Species

Allographa effusosoredica is a newly identified lichen species that has recently been found in the Western Ghats of India. This recent identification, made in July 2025, is important in that it’s the first time an Allographa species from India has been identified and confirmed with molecular (DNA sequencing) evidence.

Taxonomy & Features

A crustose lichen (thin and crust-like growth on surfaces).
Characterised by effuse soredia (powdery reproductive structures) and rare chemical traits.
Contains norstictic acid, a relatively uncommon lichen metabolite.
Morphologically resembles Graphis glaucescens, but phylogenetically close to Allographa xanthospora.
Algal symbiont identified as a species of Trentepohlia.

Significance

First Allographa species from India supported by molecular data.
Enhances understanding of lichen-algal symbiosis and locally adapted photobionts.
Adds to the taxonomic richness: 53rd Allographa species reported from India, 22nd from Western Ghats.

What are Lichens?

Lichens are composite organisms formed from a symbiotic association between:

A fungus (mycobiont): provides structure and protection.
A photosynthetic partner (photobiont): usually green algae or cyanobacteria, produces food via photosynthesis.