Ramalina canariensis J. Steiner

Sharifi, Maryam, Mehregan, Iraj, Sohrabi, Mohammad, Larijani, Kambiz & Sipman, Harrie, 2025, A synopsis of the lichen genus Ramalina (Ramalinaceae) in Iran, Phytotaxa 702 (3), pp. 255-273 : 258

Ramalina canariensis J. Steiner ; Mycobank #403672

Öst. bot. Z. 54 (10): 355 (1904)

Type:― Spain, Gran Canaria, Tafira, 400 m, 22 May 1900, J. Bornmüller, Pl. Canar. No. 3500 (W, isolectotype) ( Krog & Østhagen 1980).

Thallus fruticose, forming swards or scattered, pulvinated to ragged tufts, reaching 3–4 cm in length, and light graygreen in color or dull green, matt. Lobes distinctly broadened from the base, tapering towards the apex, smooth, filled inside with a lax medulla, the lobes are 2–6 mm wide. Soralia developing into helmet-shaped vesicles, or released through irregular lacerations in the cortex, mostly around the apices, characterized by holes; sub-terminal or lateral. Soredia farinose. Pseudocyphellae infrequent, oblong, raised or flat. Apothecia extremely rare, either marginal or on the surface of the lobes.

Chemistry: Medulla spot tests K–, C–, KC–, PD–, UV± blue-white; TLC: Usnic, divaricatic acids ( Cannon et al. 2021).

Ecology and distribution: Reported from Iran by Sohrabi & Sipman (2007), Seaward et al. (2008), and Es-hagh Nimvar & Mataji (2014). This lichen is commonly found on eutrophic bark in well-lit conditions ( Cannon et al. 2021). In the eastern Mediterranean region it is known from Turkey ( Çobanglu & Sevgi 2012).

Note: The thallus lobes show a wide range of variation, ranging from individual palmate lobes to ragged clusters of lacerate branches. The soredia are produced in subterminal, slightly inflated vesicles. Eroded specimens, particularly on rocks, bear a resemblance to R. lacera , which is unrelated but shares superficial similarities ( Spjut et al. 2020).

Specimens examined: EAST AZERBAIJAN PROVINCE: Kalibar, 21 km south of the road of Khoda-afarin to Jolfa, Aynaloo, 38.88702N, 46.80238E, 1750–1900 m, 20 August 2005, corticolous: on bark of deciduous trees, M. Sohrabi & M. Ghobad-Nejhad 4085 (ICH, herb. Sohrabi). MAZANDARAN PROVINCE: Haraz valley, above Siah Bisheh, 36.12N, 52.20E, 600 m, 14 April 1959, Wendelbo 2504 (BG).