Byssoloma spinulosum
Byssoloma spinulosum is a species of foliicolous) lichen in the family Pilocarpaceae. Found in Papua New Guinea, it was described as new to science in 2011. It is characterized by its unique beaked that are predominantly developed along the margins of living leaves.
Taxonomy
Byssoloma spinulosum was first scientifically described by Belgian lichenologist Emmanuël Sérusiaux in 2011. He collected the type specimen in a montane forest in the Owen Stanley Range at an altitude between. The species epithet spinulosum—derived from the Latin word for "tiny spines"—alludes to the characteristic pycnidia that appear like small spines along the leaf margins.Description
This lichen species typically grows along the margins and scars of living leaves, forming irregularly shaped patches that are whitish to pale bluish in colour. When viewed under high magnification, the thallus appears cottony, with a white prothallus sometimes visible between the patches.The apothecia are rounded and measure 0.3 to 0.6 mm in diameter, with a pale yellowish to whitish margin that is typically, especially in young apothecia. The of the apothecia is initially slightly concave before becoming flat and bluish-black.
A key distinguishing feature of Byssoloma spinulosum is the presence of beaked pycnidia, which are predominantly developed along the margins of leaves. These structures are conical or nearly so, with a short, distinct beak measuring 0.15 to 0.25 mm in height and around 0.2 mm in diameter.