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The lichen biota of eastern North America is fairly well-documented with most taxa reported from terrestrial ecosystems. While some taxa are described as living near water bodies potentially subjected to inundation, no amphibious lichen communities have been described. To address this gap in our understanding of the region's lichen ecology, thirteen rocky river sites in two river basins of central North Carolina, U.S.A. were explored for amphibious and riparian lichen biotas during periods of low water level, restricted to saxicolous species subjected to inundation, however infrequent. Specimens of encountered taxa were collected and their heights above water level were measured during field visits. Three communities were discerned from field observations in increasing height from low water level, here termed: Mesic Fluvial, Xeric Fluvial and Riparian. These communities are described in terms of species number and composition, height above water, functional traits and taxonomic class composition, as well as characteristic species both in open riverscour and shaded rocky riverbank habitats. From measured heights, two trimlines are described separating the three communities: Fluvial Trimline, often co-occurring with a band of deposited silt, and Riparian Trimline. With the use of nearby stream gage height data, percent inundation for the 2023 water year was estimated for the three communities as 3–10 months for Mesic Fluvial, 0.5–4 months per year for Xeric Fluvial, and < 1–3 months for Riparian lichens. Environmental variables were explored for relationships with the three communities, finding the most significant positive relationships between Mesic Fluvial species richness and several stream physical and water chemistry variables. Recommendations for future stream lichen surveys are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From recent surveys of Piedmont rocky river habitats, 22 noteworthy species of lichens and two lichenicolous fungi are presented, including 18 species new to North Carolina, three new to eastern North America, three new to North America and three potentially new to science. Most taxa here reported include amphibious lichens and lichens that otherwise are found in exposed, arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten freshwater lichen species from the Beskid Sądecki Mts are presented. Seven of them: Hydropunctaria rheitrophila, Thelidium aquaticum, T. minutulum, T. zwackhii, Verrucaria dolosa, V. elaeomelaena and V. submersella, are new to the region. Three species: Verrucaria elaeina, V. hydrophila and V. latebrosa, were previously known from single localities.

Ten freshwater lichen species from the Beskid Sądecki Mts are presented. Seven of them: Hydropunctaria rheitrophila, Thelidium aquaticum, T. minutulum, T. zwackhii, Verrucaria dolosa, V. elaeomelaena and V. submersella, are new to the region. Three species: Verrucaria elaeina, V. hydrophila and V. latebrosa, were previously known from single localities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Small clay cubes, fired at different temperatures and mounted with nylon touch and close fastener (Velcro®) on acrylic glass plates, were used in an experimental design to study colonization of artificial substrata by lichens. The cubes were exposed in alpine streams for either 5–7 y at five different sites in the Swiss Alps: Flμelatal (three sites) and Brigels (Canton of Graubμnden), and Eggerberg (Canton of Valais). Only a few cubes were lost, except at two sites, where complete plates were lost due to the strong water current and, probably, trampling by cattle. After 3 y, freshwater lichens had grown at three sites. At the most elevated site, colonization was observed after 4 y; at one site no lichen growth was recorded. The first colonizers of the new substrata were the locally most common species. Freshwater lichens preferred the surfaces of clay cubes fired at lower temperature, whereas exposed pieces of local rocks were less frequently colonized. Improvements in the experimental design are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Verrucaria madida is described as a new species with a green, subgelatinous thallus, and small ascospores; it is unique in the genus in having 4-spored asci. Three other small-spored freshwater species, V. aquatilis, V. rheitrophila and V. scabra, are compared. The type of pigment in the thallus cortex is a useful taxonomic character in the genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]