Vermilacinia laevigata
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| Vermilacinia laevigata | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Lecanorales |
| Family: | Ramalinaceae |
| Genus: | Vermilacinia |
| Species: | V. laevigata |
| Binomial name | |
| Vermilacinia laevigata (Bowler & Rundel) Spjut (1996) | |
| Synonyms | |
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Vermilacinia laevigata is a fruticose lichen that occurs in the fog zone along the Pacific Coast of the California Floristic Province from Marin County, California to 15 miles south of Misión San Vicente Ferrer in Baja California.[1]
Vermilacinia laevigata is classified in the subgenus Vermilacinia. It is distinguished from related species by the thallus divided into mostly simple flattened strap-like branches and by having lichen substances predominantly of terpenes, an unknown terepene, T3, zeorin and (-)-16 α-hydroxykaurane, and by lacking the accessory substance of salazinic acid; also reported are bourgeanic acid and usnic acid.[1][2] The thallus branches, which vary widely in shape from one thallus to another, usually spread upwards and outwards, and are often curved and slightly twisted. Apothecia develop terminally on branches, slightly elevated on short stalk-like narrower branches, and have a white disk. The cortex is 100–175 microns thick with a smooth outer surface, which is in regard to the epithet, laevigata, meaning smooth.
Thalli of Vermilacinia laevigata with narrow branches are likely to be confused with Niebla homalea, while those with wider branches resemble Niebla cornea or Niebla eburnea. These species, which often occur together, are best distinguished by the presence or absence of chondroid strands, and by their secondary metabolites. Herbarium specimens of V. laevigata, which usually develop a whitish mold-like appearance when stored in the herbarium for a long time, had been known for years as Niebla homalea[3] The distinction of the species was clarified from further study of their chemistry and morphology; Vermilacinia does not develop chondroid strands within the medulla, while Niebla does not have (-)-16 α-hydroxykaurane.[4]