Lichens and lichenicolous fungi from Bitlis province in Turkey

As a result of lichenological exploration in Bitlis province (Turkey), a total of 325 lichens and 21 lichenicolous fungi, which are belonging 113 genera in Ascomycota were determined from 92 different localities. Buellia vouauxii, a lichenicolous fungus, and is new to Turkey and also new for Asia. Aspicilia glomerulans, Llimoniella muralicola, Myriolecis invadens, Ochrolechia subviridis, Placynthium hungaricum and Placynthium posterulum were reported for the second time from Turkey. Collecting localities and their substrata are presented.

In Hizan and Mutki Districts there are no plains, 90% of its area is mountainous lands.
Nemrut and Suphan Mountains, which are among the few volcanic mountains of the world, are within the borders of Bitlis province. Nemrut Mountain, which is located in the north of the provincial territory, has the feature of being the last volcanic mountain in Turkey. It is located on the north of the provincial territory and on the west of the Mount Suphan mountain, in a regular mountain range. Plains cover only 10% of the provincial territory. There is no major river within the borders of the province of Bitlis (URL-1, 2, 3).
The common soil types are limeless brown soils, alluvial soils and regosols (Kaya 2001).
The area of in southern part of the Bitlis region, where Hizan, Mutki, Güroymak districts are located, have many hills, trees, valleys and slits, is the most rugged part. The northern part, which also includes Adilcevaz and Ahlat districts, has rough woodless and open areas. Seventy-one percent of the total area is mountains, 16% plateaus, which is situated on ridges amongst peaks of mountains and 13% plains (Baytop and Denizci 1963).
The main vegetation types are forests and anthropogenic steppes. The forest area is mainly characterized by Quercus L., in particular Q. infectoria subsp. boissieri Reuter in higher parts (over 1800 m) of the area. In lower parts and at streamsides Populus L., Salix L. and Ulmus L. spp. form the main clumps of trees. Phytogeographically the area is in the Irano-Turanian flora sector. Vegetation in Bitlis varies depending on the climate. In some parts of the area, forest cover and steppe are seen side by side. The southern slopes of Mount Nemrut are covered with oak. The wide crater pit on the mountain is covered with oak and wild fruit trees. Mount Suphan is completely dry and bare due to the absorbent soil covering that covers it. Forests in the mountainous area in the south of the province are sparse. The main tree species is oak in this region where forest undercover is made up of arid plants. In addition, cold resistant Juniperus and wild fruit trees are seen. The number of plant species increases in deep and wet valley bases in the region. There are especially willow, sycamore, poplar and walnut trees in these sections.
The climate is characterized by very cold snowy winters and hot dry short summers, with a temperature range of −21.3°C to 37°C, a mean annual rainfall is around 822.9 mm, and mean annual humidity of 61% (Akman 1999).
The present paper is a contribution to our knowledge of the lichen flora of Turkey and provides the first comprehensive checklist of lichens for Bitlis region.

Results and discussion
Lichenological survey in Bitlis province yielded a total of 325 taxa in 113 genera of Ascomycota, of which 21 are lichenicolous fungi, and 6 varieties. Buellia vouauxii, a lichenicolous fungus, is new to Turkey and also Asia. All taxa are new for Bitlis province except 24 taxa (as shown in list).

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In the northern part of the province of Bitlis, it has been observed that lichens can mostly develop on the rocks. Therefore, in the northern parts of the province, it has been determined that lichens generally develop on the rocks in Ahlat, Adilcevaz and Güroymak (northern part) districts. Since the southern part of the province is richer in terms of tree than the northern part, we see more lichens on tree trunks and rocks.