Phytogeography and ecology of the lichen family Umbilicariaceae in southwestern Alberta

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Botany
• Main Authors: Bird, C. D., Marsh, A. H.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1973
• Subjects: Plant Science; Arctic
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/b73-279; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/b73-279

Eleven species of the genera Omphalodiscus and Umbilicaria in the lichen family Umbilicariaceae are reported from a 13 400-km 2 area in the mountains and foothills of southwestern Alberta. Previous reports of Umbilicaria arctica and U. cylindrica are, or are felt to be, in error. Umbilicaria cinereorufescens is reported as new to Alberta. The distribution and habitats occupied by each of the taxa are described and a key to all species is provided. All taxa obligately occur on rock and in most cases are only on silicate rocks. Ten of the species are Circumpolar, Arctic–Boreal Alpine–Montane, and one is American, Cordilleran.