Researchers Unveil Four New Lichen Species in Western Ghats

A research team from Maharaja’s College, Kochi, has identified four new species of lichens in the Western Ghats, a significant contribution to biodiversity research. The findings, published in international scientific journals, underscore the ecological richness of this mountainous region and the necessity for its conservation.

The Lichenology Lab at Maharaja’s College may seem modest, yet it houses a remarkable herbarium containing over 4,000 dried lichen specimens. Associate Professor of Botany Stephen Sequiera, who oversees the lab, describes lichens as organisms arising from a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. Although these organisms are commonly found on trees, rocks, and soil, they remain largely unexplored.

### Newly Identified Species

The newly discovered species are:

1. Parmotrema sahyadricum from Wayanad
2. Solenopsora rhizomorpha from Eravikulam and Mathikettanshola National Parks
3. Buelloa ghattensis from Mathikettanshola National Park
4. Pyxine janakiae from Mathikettanshola National Park

The research commenced in 2022 and resulted in significant findings, including over 50 additional lichen species previously unreported in the Kerala region of the Western Ghats.

The lichen collection at Maharaja’s College is one of the most extensive at the college level and is comparable to collections at the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) and the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI).

### Importance of Lichens

Lichens are ubiquitous but often overlooked, revealing their diverse forms depending on their environment. They can appear as fungal formations on tree trunks or as grass-like structures on soil and rocks. In their dried form, they may seem like mere grey smudges or discolored knots of thread.

According to Sequiera, 1,706 of the approximately 3,000 lichen species in India are found in the Western Ghats. Sequiera has been studying lichens since 1998 during his doctoral studies at KFRI. His work culminated in a KSCSTE-funded research project that established a dedicated Lichen House at the Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Sciences in Kozhikode. This facility aims to educate students, researchers, and the public about the often-unnoticed lichen species, including those from higher altitudes.

### Ecological Significance

Lichens serve critical roles as biomonitoring agents due to their ability to sequester carbon and sensitivity to air pollution. They absorb pollutants directly from the atmosphere, providing insights into environmental health. In an experiment conducted in 2022, Sequiera’s team collected lichens from Wayanad and later planted them in the Manjummel-Edayar region. After 28 days, they confirmed the presence of heavy metals such as copper, zinc, and lead, indicating air pollution levels in the area.

Lichens also contribute to forest ecosystems by acting as natural fertilizers. They break down rocks to create soil, fix nitrogen, and facilitate the growth of other organisms. Furthermore, some lichen species possess medicinal properties, including antifungal, antitumor, and anticancer qualities. Certain lichens are even used as food preservatives and flavoring agents. For instance, the stone flower lichen, known as kalpasi in Tamil and Dagad Phool in Hindi, is commonly used to enhance biryani dishes.

For young researchers Arun Christy, Aswathi Anilkumar, and Arsha S Mohan, lichens are a source of inspiration. As Arun notes, the limited literature on lichens presents vast potential for research and discovery. The team’s work not only adds to the scientific understanding of lichens but also emphasizes the importance of their conservation and sustainable use in the face of environmental challenges.