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.
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14 April 2021
Discovery of epiphytic lichens in Connecticut suggests novel introduction and reintroduction via horticultural practices
Henry A. Frye,
Zachary Muscavitch,
Bernard Goffinet
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The Bryologist
Vol. 124 • No. 2
Summer 2021
Vol. 124 • No. 2
Summer 2021
human-mediated lichen dispersal
lichen distributions
New England
Parmotrema austrosinense
Parmotrema hypotropum
Parmotrema perforatum
Punctelia bolliana