Abstract
Flora of New Zealand Lichens is the first volume in the Flora of New Zealand series to be concerned with cryptogams. Lichens, or lichenised fungi, are fungi which have evolved a specialised mode of nutrition, viz., symbiosis with a photosynthetic partner (either green alga or cyanobacterium). Lichens are primary colonisers in plant successions and are found, in New Zealand, in a wide variety of habitats from sea level to the summit rocks of Mt Cook. Although tolerant of a wide range of ecological conditions, as a group they are extremely sensitive to atmospheric and terrestrial pollution.
New Zealand is noteworthy for the richness and diversity of its lichen flora. The present volume discusses 958 taxa in 210 genera and is the first major Southern Hemisphere lichen flora to be produced this century. As such, it will be of interest to lichenologists in all countries, but especially those in Australia and South America. Keys to genera are provided, covering foliose, squamulose, fruticose, filamentous and crustose life forms; in the text, genera are arranged alphabetically and not according to any particular systematic treatment. Each genus is given a detailed description and, where possible, a commentary on the genus in New Zealand provides up-to-date references for further information. Keys to species within different genera precede detailed species descriptions which are also arranged alphabetically. Species descriptions follow a standard format and discuss thalline, apothecial and chemical characters when known. A biogeographical designation is assigned to most species (10 biogeographical elements are recognised in the New Zealand lichen flora) and short notes on distribution and ecology are included. Most names based on New Zealand material are typified and the provenance of type material is indicated when known.
Introductory material includes: a short history of lichenological exploration in New Zealand, a survey of taxonomic literature relating to New Zealand lichens for the period 1781-1983 and a list of collectors of New Zealand lichens and of institutions where their collections are held. An index to accepted taxa and to synonyms is provided, as well as a glossary of lichenological terms.
Although primarily an identification manual for serious lichenologists, the present flora contains much information useful to the general botanist, student, and interested amateur.
