Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Semester of Degree Completion

1980

Thesis Director

Wesley C. Whiteside

Abstract

The lichen flora of "Rocks Park", Coles County, Illinois, was studied extensively. The tract (sec 17, T12N,R10E), which is located in east-central Illinois, was selected for study because of its diversity of habitats for lichen growth. A literature review of the studies of the lichens of east central and southern Illinois and nearby Indiana is included. The area is heavily dissected by the Embarrass River and a few small tributaries. The major vegetation type is oak-hickory forest. This tract was found to have four distinct habitats with different lichen associations. The habitats described are the following:

  1. Open Field Area
  2. Sparsely Wooded Hilltop interspersed with ravines
  3. Densely Wooded Hilltop
  4. Sandstone Rock Outcroppings

For each of the habitats a study was made of the lichen population, associated vascular plants (both woody and herbaceous) and important bryophytes.

The total number of lichen species collected at "Rocks Park" was 44 and of this number, 16 were species of Cladonia. Of all the tree species, Quercus alba supported the greatest number of lichens.

An important find was Cladonia robbinsii which has not been previously collected in east-central Illinois. On the sandstone rock cliffs there are extensive colonies of Dermatocarpon miniatum, which is the most conspicuous lichen in this habitat. Dermatocarpon miniatum is scarce in east-central Illinois because of the infrequent occurrence of rock outcroppings.

Lichens considered rare for this area are the following:

  1. Cladonia robbinsii
  2. C. verticillata
  3. Dermatocarpon miniatum
  4. Leptogium lichenoides
  5. L. tenuissimum

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