''Pyrenula sanguinea'' is a rare species of

lichen A lichen ( , ) is a composite organism that arises from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of multiple fungi species in a mutualistic relationship.Pyrenulaceae The Pyrenulaceae are a family of fungi in the order Pyrenulales. The family was first named by German botanist Gottlob Ludwig Rabenhorst in 1870. Species in the family have a widespread distribution, but are especially prevalent in the tropics, wh ...

. This species is characterized its bright red, prominent to growths on tree bark in the

rainforest Rainforests are characterized by a closed and continuous tree canopy, moisture-dependent vegetation, the presence of epiphytes and lianas and the absence of wildfire. Rainforest can be classified as tropical rainforest or temperate rainfores ...

s of

Rondônia Rondônia () is one of the 26 states of Brazil, located in the northern subdivision of the country (central-western part). To the west is a short border with the state of Acre, to the north is the state of Amazonas, in the east is Mato Grosso, ...

, Brazil. What makes ''Pyrenula sanguinea'' unique are its ascomata—structures housing the reproductive spores—that are fused together, and its brown (spores) surrounded by a thick, gelatinous sheath with distinctive horn-like appendages.

Taxonomy

''Pyrenula sanguinea'' was formally described in 2013 by the lichenologists Marcela Cáceres,

André Aptroot André Aptroot (Heemskerk, 1961) is a Dutch mycologist and lichenologist. In 1993 he did his PhD at the University of Utrecht under the supervision of Robbert Gradstein (nl). His dissertation was titled "Systematic studies on pyrenocarpous li ...

, and Robert Lücking. The name ''sanguinea'', meaning "blood-red", refers to the striking red colour of its , the tissue surrounding the ascomata. Phylogenetic analysis shows that ''Pyrenula sanguinea'' is closely related to '' Pyrenula cruenta'', another species known for its bright red pigment, though they differ significantly in morphology and chemistry.

Description

The lichen features a crust-like, somewhat shiny thallus (the main lichen body) that is pale yellowish-brown, often tinged red. It grows as a flat, crusty layer on tree bark. The ascomata, or spore-producing structures, are pear-shaped and grouped together within the red without forming a visible outer layer. These ascomata are unique for their partly fused walls and separate, apical openings visible as black dots. The ascospores are initially transparent but soon turn brown, with three septa (divisions) and distinctive, gelatinous appendages at both ends that dissolve in a specific chemical solution. Several features characterise the morphology of this species. The pseudostromata are bright red, varying in shape, contributing to the lichen's distinctive appearance. The ascomata are immersed in pseudostromata, with fused outer walls, unique among lichens for resembling those found in genus ''

Trypethelium ''Trypethelium'' is a genus of lichenized fungi in the family Trypetheliaceae. The widespread genus contains about 50 species that are predominantly found in tropical areas. ''Trypethelium'' was circumscribed by German botanist Kurt Polycarp Joa ...

''. of the species are brown, with a reduced formation, and bearing long, horn-like appendages.

Chemistry

The lichen's chemistry is complex, with six identified anthraquinone pigments, including haematommone. These substances, responsible for the lichen's colouration, do not evaporate upon application of a potassium hydroxide solution (K+), showing a purple reaction. This chemical makeup is significant for distinguishing ''Pyrenula sanguinea'' from other lichens with similar red pigments but different chemical reactions.

Habitat and distribution

This species is found on the smooth bark of trees within the

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rainforest of the Cuniã rain forest reserve in Amazonian

, Brazil. Its discovery at this single location suggests it may be endemic to this region, thriving in the humid, tropical environment.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q21311983 sanguinea Lichen species Lichens described in 2013 Lichens of Brazil Taxa named by André Aptroot Taxa named by Marcela Cáceres Taxa named by Robert Lücking

Taxonomy

Description

Chemistry

Habitat and distribution

See also

References