Radial Growth and Habitat Selection by Morphologically Similar Chemotypes of Xanthoparmelia

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Abstract
Lichens in the genus Xanthoparmelia were studied at altitudes of 2,545-2,570 m on the East Slope of the Colorado Front Range. Xanthoparmelia lineola (Berry) Hale and X. subdecipiens (Vain.) Hale were the most numerous of five morphologically similar nonisidiate chemotypes identified by thin-layer chromatography. Recognition of the chemotypes as distinct species is supported by differences in annual radial growth under uniform conditions as a transplant locality, and differences in habitat selection along an environmental transect. Xanthoparmelia lineola grows 35% faster than X. subdecipiens during its linear growth phase. It is more tolerant than X. subdecipiens of late-lying snow, but less tolerant of dark-colored, mafic rock substrates. The absence of extremely large Xanthoparmelia thalli in the study area is attributed to former episodes of increased snow cover.

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