Additions to the cryptogamic lichen biota from the Republic of India from Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The population diversity of lichen species was studied by the family multiplicity in different sites from various lichen growth forms from the Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, and the Coastal regions of Sedhu Samuthra, Coramantal and Madras Marina in Tamil Nadu state of the Indian Republic. There are 3,005 lichen taxa and subspecies known from the Indian subcontinent. So far, 938 species have been discovered within the geographical boundaries of Tamil Nadu, making it the state with the second-highest diversity of cryptogamic lichens. This collection was found to contain 150 species from 65 genera, among which 41 species were introduced for the state, regional, and national lichen biota. From the ten substrata, Corticolous was the most adhesive and adorable habitat for lichen(s) growth, with 149 taxa, followed by Lignicolous (143), and the fewest lichen species were grown on Lichenicolous (10) and Foliicolous (09). About the study, we include 3 species that were new records for Indian country, 11 species that are new to the Tamil Nadu State lichen biota, 15 species for the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, 12 species for Southern India, and Marine lichens. 16 species were new to the Megamalai Tiger Reserve Forest from Cumbum valley. Among the collected species, the common (vernacular) name of the lichen(s) was included. Due to the richness and abundance of natural diversity, the population ecosystem must be explored using artificial intelligence and technology-based customised studies for the benefit of future generations' learning and research.