Usnea poliothrix is an irregular, orange species of Usnea, a common fruticose lichen.[1] It has soralia with prominent isidiofibril growth.[2] Its orange cortex is very fragile, and often scarred by the marks of lost isidiofibrils.[1] Although often characterized in literature as U. poliotrix, it was officially named U. poliothrix in 1874 by German lichenologist August von Krempelhuber.[3]
Habitat
U. poliothrix is native to Madagascar, and is rarely found on the continents, and when so, in South America or Australia.[4] Isolates may also be found in Southern-most North America.[2] Evidence may suggest that this species was once prevalent across dry areas of the continents, and that the Galapagos Islands may serve as a final remaining location where U. poliothrix is a strong competitor.[1]
References
