Discovery of Epiphytic Lichens in Connecticut Suggests Novel Introduction and Reintroduction via Horticultural Practices

Authors

Henry A. Frye, University of Connecticut - StorrsFollow
Zachary Muscavitch, University of Connecticut - StorrsFollow
Bernard Goffinet, University of Connecticut - StorrsFollow

Document Type

Article

Disciplines

Botany | Bryology | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Horticulture | Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology

Abstract

The discovery of Teloschistes chrysophthalmus in Connecticut more than one hundred years since its last known occurrence is argued to result from human introduction. The species only occurred on the horticultural tree, Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis, planted on the University of Connecticut campus. Gleditsia triacanthos is not indigenous to northeastern North America, but is widespread in the central United States. Other epiphytic macrolichens also recorded on this phorophyte include Punctelia bolliana and Parmotrema austrosinense, both widespread in the central United States, and new to Connecticut and New England, respectively. This is likely the first reported case of combined introductions of lichenized fungi in North America through the import of ornamental trees.

Comments

Published in The Bryologist (https://doi.org/10.1639/0007-2745-124.2.191). This is an accepted peer-reviewed copy of the manuscript before journal formatting.

Recommended Citation

Frye, Henry A.; Muscavitch, Zachary; and Goffinet, Bernard, "Discovery of Epiphytic Lichens in Connecticut Suggests Novel Introduction and Reintroduction via Horticultural Practices" (2021). EEB Articles. 57.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/eeb_articles/57