Sexual and Asexual Reproductive Patterns in Parmotrema (Parmeliaceae) That Correlate with Latitude

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Abstract
Patterns of sexual and asexual reproduction were investigated in the lichen genus Parmotrema (Parmeliaceae). Most tropical species produce either sexual or asexual reproductive structures, but not both. Temperate species invest in mixed reproductive strategies. Mixed strategies may be selected for, not only because they maintain genetic variability, but also because they may facilitate lichenization in habitats in which suitable algal-host diversity is low. Correlations were observed between spore size, production of asexual structures and production of perforate apothecia in fertile species of Parmotrema that suggested a conservation of reproductive tissue in species investing in large spores or asexual structures. There may be trade-offs involved in apportioning resources between growth, maintenance and reproduction in Parmotrema spp. from habitats that vary in environmental predictability.