View source for Candelariella lichenicola

{{Short description|Species of lichen}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Speciesbox
| image =
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| taxon = Candelariella lichenicola
| authority = M.Westb. (2007)
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'''''Candelariella lichenicola''''' is a rare species of [[lichenicolous fungus|lichenicolous]] ([[lichen]]-dwelling) [[fungus]] in the family [[Candelariaceae]].<ref name="CoL"/> This species was first found in [[Sonora]], Mexico, and is characterised by its distinct spore shape and chemical composition. It is typically found growing on the lichen species ''[[Candelina submexicana]]'', and while not widespread, it contributes to the ecological diversity of the regions it inhabits.

==Taxonomy==

''Candelariella lichenicola'' was first [[species description|described]] by Swedish lichenologist Martin Westberg in 2007. The [[botanical name|specific epithet]] ''lichenicola'' is derived from [[Latin]], with ''lichen'' referring to its habitat and ''cola'' meaning "dweller" – together indicating that this species "dwells on lichens". The [[type (biology)|type specimen]] was found by [[Thomas Hawkes Nash III]] in 1975 in a canyon above the mining town of Trinidad, located in [[Sonora]], Mexico, at an elevation of {{convert|4060|ft|m|abbr=on}}. This fungus belongs to the family [[Candelariaceae]], which is known for a characteristic apical {{lichengloss|dome}} in the [[ascus]] of the fungi.<ref name="Westberg 2007"/>

==Description==

While many species of fungi feature a [[thallus]], or vegetative tissue, ''Candelariella lichenicola'' does not. Instead, it is defined by its distinctive {{lichengloss|biatorine}} apothecia, which are tiny, cup-shaped structures that contain the spore-producing organs. These {{lichengloss|apothecia}} emerge from the {{lichengloss|algal layer}} of its [[host (biology)|host]] lichen, with a diameter up to 0.25&nbsp;mm. Its {{lichengloss|ascospores}}, the sexual spores within the asci, are more or less citriform (lemon-shaped) with pointed ends, and have typical dimensions of 11.5–14.0 by 4.5–5.0&nbsp;[[micrometre|μm]].<ref name="Westberg 2007"/>

The {{lichengloss|epihymenium}}, the outermost layer of the fungal tissue, is reddish yellow to yellow-brown in colour, while the [[hymenium]] (the layer beneath the epihymenium) is colourless. The hymenium is moderately tall, ranging between 45 and 55&nbsp;μm.<ref name="Westberg 2007"/>

Two main [[secondary metabolite|secondary chemicals]] have been found in this species: [[calycin]] and pulvic acid lactone. These compounds are found at rates of 80% and 20% respectively. In terms of standard chemical [[spot test (lichen)|spot tests]], ''C.&nbsp;lichenicola'' is K+ (reddish), KC−, and C−.<ref name="Westberg 2007"/>

''Candelariella lichenicola'' shares many traits with other members of its genus, the vast majority of which are lichens. The unique spore shape of this species, while unusual, is not entirely unique within ''Candelariella'' and can be found in a few other species such as ''[[Candelariella citrina|C.&nbsp;citrina]]''. Similarly, while the {{lichengloss|paraphyses}} (a type of cell in the hymenium) in most ''Candelariella'' species are {{lichengloss|simple}} or sparingly branched near the apices, in ''C.&nbsp;lichenicola'', most paraphyses are branched in the mid-hymenium.<ref name="Westberg 2007"/>

==Habitat and distribution==

''Candelariella lichenicola'' appears to exclusively grow on ''Candelina submexicana'', a species of lichen that prefers [[siliceous rock]]s found in southwestern North America's interior desert and at high altitudes. This fungus is currently known from three locations in northwestern Mexico. The lichenicolous fungus does not seem to inflict any damage on the host lichen, with no noticeable discolouration or other visible effects on the thallus.<ref name="Westberg 2007"/>

Despite ''Candelina submexicana'' being common across southwestern North America, ''C.&nbsp;lichenicola'' is not widespread. The fungus is diminutive, easily overlooked, and seems to be a rare species, contributing to its limited observed distribution.<ref name="Westberg 2007"/>

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=

<ref name="CoL">{{Catalogue of Life |id=QKWX |title=''Candelariella lichenicola'' M. Westb. |access-date=11 June 2023}}</ref>

<ref name="Westberg 2007">{{cite journal |last=Westberg |first=Martin |title=''Candelariella'' (Candelariaceae) in western United States and northern Mexico: the polysporous species |journal=The Bryologist |volume=110 |issue=3 |year=2007 |doi=10.1639/0007-2745(2007)110[375:cciwus]2.0.co;2 |pages=375–390 |s2cid=86191517}}</ref>

}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q10441435}}

[[Category:Candelariella|lichenicola]]
[[Category:Fungi of Mexico]]
[[Category:Fungi described in 2007]]
[[Category:Lichenicolous fungi]]
[[Category:Fungus species]]