In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers have discovered a new species of lichen in the Western Ghats, one of India’s most biodiverse regions. The species, Allographa effusosoredica, marks a milestone in the study of symbiotic organisms in India, becoming the first of its genus to be confirmed through molecular sequencing in the country.
The discovery was led by a team at the MACS-Agharkar Research Institute in Pune, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), with support from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Researchers Ansil P. A., Rajeshkumar K. C., Sruthi O. P., and Bharati O. Sharma used a modern, integrative approach combining DNA sequencing, chemical analysis, and morphological observations to identify the species.
Lichens are unique organisms formed by a symbiotic partnership between a fungus and a photosynthetic partner either algae or cyanobacteria. The newly discovered species belongs to the Allographa genus, known for its crust-like structure. It was found growing in the rich forested terrain of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What makes Allographa effusosoredica stand out are its unique powdery outgrowths, known as soredia, and the presence of a rare compound, norstictic acid. It also hosts a Trentepohlia algae partner, giving scientists new insights into tropical lichen symbiosis. Molecular data placed it close to Allographa xanthospora, although it mimics the appearance of another species, Graphis glaucescens, raising questions about evolutionary convergence.
With this addition, A. effusosoredica becomes the 53rd Allographa species recorded in India and the 22nd from the Western Ghats alone. This underscores the region’s incredible biodiversity and the urgent need for deeper ecological and taxonomic research.
Lichens play a vital role in ecosystems by fixing nitrogen, helping soil formation and acting as bioindicators of pollution and climate change. Yet, in India, molecular lichen studies remain scarce. This discovery not only adds to India’s species records but also strengthens efforts to build a national inventory of lichen biodiversity.
Scientists hope this will inspire further exploration in India’s biodiversity hotspots, helping to better understand climate resilience and ecological health through the lens of even the smallest life forms.