Ramalina polymorpha (Lilj.) Ach.

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 : 267

Ramalina polymorpha (Lilj.) Ach. ; Mycobank #356437

Lichenographia Universalis: 600 (1810). ― Lichen calicaris var. polymorphus Lilj. 1798 .

Type: ― Sweden (Suecica) (H-Ach. 18044, lectotype) ( Krog & James 1977).

Thallus fruticose, prostrate to ascending, commonly coalescing into large swards. Lobes strap-shaped, flat, 3–7 cm in length 2–6 mm in width, greenish-grey, often wrinkled and dissected longitudinally, narrower at the ends. Soralia present, mostly laminal and linear-ellipsoid, or labriform-capitate and apical-subapical, with roughly granular soredia. Pseudocyphellae elliptical-rounded, scattered or clustered uniform-colored or light-colored with numerous fenestrations. Subcortex cartilaginous, shiny, corticated, stalked or sessile, isidium-like granules. Apothecia rare, subterminal, or terminal in small, marginal, and lateral in larger thalli.

Chemistry: Spot tests K–, C–, KC–, PD–, UV–; TLC: Usnic acid ( Cannon et al. 2021).

Ecology and distribution: Ramalina polymorpha was first observed in Iran in 1975 ( Barkhalov 1975) with subsequent reports by other researchers ( Seaward et al. 2008, Sohrabi & Alstrup 2007, Sohrabi & Sipman 2020). This species is widely distributed in boreal and temperate regions, inhabiting silicate rocks in nitrophilous environments. It is known to thrive beneath areas where birds nest or roost ( Cannon et al. 2021, Sohrabi & Alstrup 2007). In surrounding countries, records of this species exist for Turkey ( Cansaran et al. 2007, Türkez et al. 2012), Armenia ( Barkhalov 1969, 1975, Harutyunyan et al. 2011) and Azerbaijan ( Alverdiyeva & Aghayeva 2015, Barkhalov 1983).

Note: Ramalina polymorpha can be distinguished by its habitat on nesting bird perches, its lobes with a scabrous surface, and numerous pseudocyphellae. These pseudocyphellae contain one or more large corticate isidium-shaped granules, which are frequently confused with soredia. Further information can be found in Cannon et al. (2021, sub R. capitata ).

Specimens examined: ― IRAN. Azerbaijan: 55 km N of Kalibar along the road to Khomarlu. 500 m, 6 November 2007, 39.2N, 47.2E, Sipman, 101218 (B) ; Ardabil, Meshginshahr, 16 km. toward Meshginshahr, Movil village , close to geothermal power plant, 38.288994N, 47.723679E, 2586 m, 5 May 2013, on siliceous rock, Farid Houshyar 16724 (herb. Sohrabi) ; Varzegan, ca 26 km from west of Varzegan and ca 6 km east of Joshin village ( Kharvana ), Joshin Castle , 38.64989N, 46.34995E, 1750–1900 m, 18 July 2005, on silicate rocks with? Parasite, M. Sohrabi 3521 ( ICH, herb. Sohrabi ). GOLESTAN PROVINCE: Azad Shahr district , Khosh Yeylaq , highest pass in road Shahrud — Azad Shahr, N side of pass, 2050 m, 27 October 2007, 36.8N, 55.3 E, Sipman, 100918 (B) ; 3521 (herb. Sohrabi).