Synecological structure of the lichen synusiae within forest natural reserves from the Moldavian Plateau (Romania)

Authors: IOANA VICOL

Abstract: This study describes and assesses the influence of the particular features of microhabitats on the abundances of lichen species. The research was performed in 4 natural reserves: Seaca-Movileni, Badeana, Harboanca-Brahaşoaia, and Balteni (all within Vaslui county). The distribution of lichen species abundances was investigated in 20 cm × 20 cm sampling units at a height of 1 m above the ground. In the studied area 27 lichen species were sampled in 81 sampling units. Cluster analysis indicated both similarities and dissimilarities between the natural reserves investigated. Kruskal-Wallis tests pointed out significant differences regarding tree girths, depth of rhytidome crevices, and relative abundances of the lichen species. The results of a SIMPER test show that Physconia enteroxantha (Nyl.) Poelt. and Candelaria concolor (Dicks.) Stnr. are the species responsible for the dissimilarities between investigated sites. Mann-Whitney U tests revealed significant dissimilarities between the lichen synusiae investigated. Of all the lichen species recorded, only Physconia enteroxantha and Lecidella elaeochroma (Ach.) M. Choisy were significantly correlated with trees of the genus Quercus. There were fewer trees of the genus Quercus with large girths compared to other analyzed tree genera.

Keywords: Lichen abundances, tree girths, depth of rhytidome crevices, floristic composition of the host trees, forest natural reserves, Vaslui county, Romania

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