LICHENS – ENSHROUDING THE BARE ROCKS IN PAPPAD AREA OF SAMBA DISTRICT, JAMMU and KASHMIR

2016-06-07T23-38-39Z
Source: International Journal of Current Research and Review
Mukhtar Ahmad Sheikh, Anil K. Raina, Dalip Kumar Upreti.
A field survey was conducted for collection of lichens in the Jammu division, on fragile, loose sandstone rocks in Pappad area of Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, on way to famous Mansar Lake. The rocks were devoid of the original forest cover and appear black due to dense growth of dark olive green lichens. Under such climatic conditions, the loose sandstone rocks remains exposed to scorching heat and were mostly dry thus not suitable for the growth of most plants. The lichen specimens were collected from the rocky substrates with the help of hammer, chisel. The specimens were identified by studying the morphology, anatomy and chemistry. The recent literature was consulted for identification of most of the lichen taxa. The study revealed the occurrence of 04 species of lichens belonging to 03 genera and 03 families, it was observed that some unique lichen taxa such as Endocarpon nanum A. Singh & Upreti; Endocarpon subrosettum A. Singh & Upreti; Peltula patellata (Bagl.) Swinsc. & Krog and Phylliscum indicum Upreti are present. The hair like growth on the lower surface (Rhizinae or haptera or umbilicus) of the lichens bind together the sand particles of the rock. The lichens are natures pioneers and establish themselves where other organisms cannot. Thus from the above observation it is well evident that lichens in the Pappad area of Samba district, J & K are playing important role in the binding, stability, hydrology and fertility of these rocks. The lichen taxa growing on the rocks have thick cushion like squamulose thallus, which are closely adpressed to the rocks. The organs of attachment present on the lower side of the thallus compactly bind the sandstone particles tightly together.


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