The lichen family Parmeliaceae (Ascomycotina) on Gough Island, South Atlantic Ocean

Abstract

Nine parmelioid taxa in five genera were identified from Gough Island, South Atlantic Ocean. These comprise three species of Hypotrachyna, one species of Parmelinopsis, three species of Parmotrema, one species of Punctelia and one species of Rimelia. Although the majority of species have a pantemperate or cosmopolitan distribution, a significant South American element is also evident. Eight of the species collected on Gough Island produce isidia or soredia, confirming that such vegetative propagules aid in long distance dispersal by means of wind and/or birds.