Revista Chilena de Historia Natural 76 (1): 79-98, 2003
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Distribution and habitat ecology of the sorediate species of Menegazzia
(Parmeliaceae, lichenized Ascomycota) in Chile
The taxonomy and ecology of the sorediate species of Menegazzia from the
southernmost regions of Chile and Argentina and the South Atlantic Islands was recently published, only with sporadic reports from the
more northern regions. In the present work the distribution patterns and habitat ecology of the sorediate species are discussed, with
emphasis on the area north of 48º S. Eleven species are treated. Menegazzia subpertusa, an epiphyte of sclerophyll
scrubs, is recorded from South America for the first time (Chile and Argentina). Menegazzia neozelandica has a disjunct
distribution in Chile, with occurrences in Fray Jorge (Fourth Region of Chile) and on Islas Juan Fernández, and along the coast south of
latitude 38º S. Menegazzia kawesqarica and M. tenuis are most common in the southernmost part of Chile,
but are also found at high altitudes at lower latitudes. Additional treated s ecies are M. chrysogaster, M.
fumarprotocetrarica, M. globulifera, M. magellanica, M. norsorediata, M.
sanguinascens and M. wandae. Several of the sorediate species are early colonisers of newly developed
substrates. They show variable occurrences along light and humidity gradients. Distribution maps and a revised key are
presented.
Key words:
lichens, Chile,
Menegazzia, biogeography, climatic gradients
