• A team of Indian scientists has made a breakthrough with the discovery of a previously unknown lichen species in the Western Ghats. 

• The newly identified species, named Allographa effusosoredica, was found during an extensive study conducted by researchers from the MACS-Agharkar Research Institute in Pune, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

• The study combined classical taxonomy with modern molecular tools, setting new molecular benchmarks for the genus in the region.

• Lichens are not just one organism but two (sometimes more) living in intimate symbiosis: a fungus that offers structure and protection, and a photobiont (usually a green alga or cyanobacterium) that captures sunlight and makes food. 

• Despite their humble appearance, lichens play critical roles in ecosystems, building soil, feeding insects and serving as nature’s bioindicators.

• Symbiosis is the interaction between two dissimilar organisms living in close physical association.

• Allographa effusosoredica becomes the 53rd species from the genus reported from India and 22nd from the Western Ghats alone. 

• The newly identified species, a crustose lichen with striking effuse soredia and comparably rare chemical traits, (harbouring chemical called norstictic acid, considered rare in comparison to other morphologically similar species within the genus Allographa) was studied in detail using morphological, chemical and advanced molecular techniques. 

• This integrative approach also unveiled its algal partner, a Trentepohlia species, adding to the sparse but growing understanding of photobiont diversity in tropical lichens.

• Using DNA sequencing across multiple genetic markers (mtSSU, LSU, RPB2 for the fungal partner and ITS for the algal symbiont), the researchers placed A. effusosoredica phylogenetically close to Allographa xanthospora. 

• Interestingly, the lichen’s morphology mimics that of Graphis glaucescens, raising evolutionary questions about generic boundaries in the Graphidaceae family. 

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)