Xanthoparmelia auricampa
Xanthoparmelia auricampa is a little-known species of terricolous, foliose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae. It is endemic to Western Australia.
Taxonomy
Xanthoparmelia auricampa was described by John Elix, who distinguished it from closely related species due to its unique chemical profile and specific morphological characteristics. The type specimen was collected by Elix on 24 April 2004, and is housed at the Western Australian Herbarium. The collection site is located in Western Australia, 2.5 km east of Bullabulling and 27.5 km west of Coolgardie, at an elevation of 440 metres. The specimen was found growing on soil in a Eucalyptus woodland habitat with Acacia and other shrubs, characterised by laterite outcrops. The species epithet auricampa is derived from Latin, combining aurum and campus, alluding its discovery in the goldfield regions of Western Australia.Description
Xanthoparmelia auricampa forms small foliose to somewhat fruticose rosettes, loosely to the, and typically 2–3 cm wide. The of the lichen are more or less linear, 0.8–1.5 mm wide, and show to trichotomous branching. The upper surface is yellow-green, becoming and brown at the tips as it matures. Unlike many lichens, it lacks isidia and soredia but features small, somewhat cylindrical that are terminal on the lobes. The lower surface of the lichen is pale to dark brown,, and smooth with moderately dense, simple or occasionally branched, black rhizines.Chemically, the lichen does not react to potassium hydroxide solution, while the medulla is K+. It contains usnic acid and a combination of lichen products including norstictic, hypostictic, and hyposalazinic acids.