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131
MYCOLOGIA BALCANICA 4: 131–134 (2007)
New and noteworthy species of Verrucaria from Bulgaria
Beata Krzewicka ¹*, Dimitar Y. Stoykov ² & Janusz Nowak ¹†
¹ Laboratory of Lichenology, W. Szafer Institute of Botany, Polish Academy of Sciences, Lubicz 46, PL-31-512 Kraków,
Poland
² Institute of Botany, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 23 Acad. G. Bonchev Str., BG-1113 Sofi a, Bulgaria
Received 2 July 2007 / Accepted 24 August 2007
Abstract. In the Herbarium of the W. Szafer Institute of Botany, Polish Academy of Sciences is housed a signifi cant
number of lichen specimens collected in Bulgaria by Janusz Nowak. Among them 22 species of Verrucaria are
represented. Seven species are reported here for the fi rst time from this country: V. dolosa, V. funckii, V. halizoa,
V. hydrela, V. obfuscans, V. parmigerella, and V. procopii. In addition 15 species are reported with new records for
Bulgaria.
Key words: Bulgaria, lichens, new records, pyrenocarpous species
Introduction
e fi rst note about the occurrence of Verrucaria Schrad.
species in Bulgaria date back from the turn of the 19th century
when Kazandzhiev published the fi rst Lichen fl ora of Bulgaria.
e author of the fl ora reported two Verrucaria species from
the Black Sea coastal region, V. caerulea (as V. plumbea Ach.)
and V. marmorea (Scop.) Arnold (as V. purpurascens Hoff m.)
(Kazandzhiev 1900). Later V. nigrescens from Dragoman in
Sofi a region was recorded by the same author (Kazandzhiev
1906). A signifi cant contribution to the knowledge of the
genus Verrucaria in this country was made by Szatala (1929,
1930), who reported 12 new species of Verrucaria including
one species new to science – V. bulgarica (Szatala 1930). e
second edition of the Lichen fl ora of Bulgaria (Popnikolov &
Zhelezova 1964) contained 24 species of Verrucaria. After
the research activity of Zhelezova there has been a serious
gap in the studies of Verrucaria in the country over the last
four decades and there have been no new records. erefore
the catalogue of the lichenized and lichenicolous fungi
of Bulgaria (Mayrhofer et al. 2005) contains only data for
Verrucaria species reported from 1900 to 1964. is genus
is obviously very poorly studied in Bulgaria, and moreover
many frequent and common species have been reported only
from a few localities.
Material and Methods
is study is based on the collection of Verrucaria lichens
gathered by Janusz Nowak in 1960-1962 and 1975-1976
in Bulgaria and housed in the Herbarium of the W. Szafer
Institute of Botany, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow
(KRAM-L). e specimens were collected in the Black Sea
coast region, Stara Planina Mts, Pirin Mts, and the Rhodopes.
e material studied herein was determined using standard
methods.
Distribution of Verrucaria species is discussed based on
data from the catalogue of the lichenized and lichenicolous
fungi of Bulgaria (Mayrhofer et al. 2005). New records for the
country are marked in the text by an asterisk (*).
Results and Discussion
Within the examined collection of pyrenocarpous lichens
from Bulgaria 22 species of Verrucaria were distinguished.
Seven species are reported for the fi rst time from this country:
V. dolosa, V. funckii, V. halizoa, V. hydrela, V. obfuscans, V.
parmigerella, and V. procopii. Many of the examined species
represent new regional records. Below the list of determined
* Corresponding author: e-mail: ibbkrzew@ib-pan.krakow.pl
132 , . et al. — Verrucaria
species is provided with short ecological notes for each species
and discussion of its distribution in Bulgaria.
Verrucaria aethiobola Wahlenb.
A freshwater species reported from the mountain streams
in Bulgaria such as from Stara Planina Mts, Rila Mts, and the
Rhodopes. It occurs mainly on siliceous rocks but sometimes
it is reported on limestones. It is known in many countries of
Europe in moist habitats.
Specimens examined: Stara Planina Mts, Ray chalet, alt. 1600 m, on
rock in stream, 7 Aug 1962 (KRAM-L 1163); Koznitsa, between Petrochan
and Golyama Mogila, alt. 1600 m, on sandstone in stream, 28 Jul 1962
(KRAM-L 8755, 19 498, 19 503).
V. baldensis A. Massal.
is species is distinguished by fl at, lid-like and radially
grooved involucrellum, white or grayish thallus with black
prothallus and an absence of coloured crystals in the cortical
layer. It is very variable and according to Halda (2003) eleven
species, and 75 varieties or forms should be synonymized
with V. baldensis. It occurs on hard limestones, in sunny
and exposed sites. It is widespread throughout the whole of
Europe. is is the fi rst record from the Pirin Mts.
Specimens examined: Black Sea coast, Zlatni Pyasutsi, Aladzha monastery,
on calcareous rocks, 2 Aug 1962 [KRAM-L 7956(b)]; Stara Planina
Mts, Koznitsa, Golyama Mogila, alt. 1900 m, on limestone, 28 Jul 1962
[(KRAM-L 3244(b)]; Pirin Mts, Orelek peak, alt. 1910 m, on limestone
rocks, 22 Sep 1975 (KRAM-L 35 249); the Rodopes, Beglika Reserve, 4-5
km NW of Beglika, alt. 1600 m, on calcareous rocks, 27 Sep 1975 (KRAM-L
30 292).
V. caerulea DC.
It occurs on hard limestone rocks on sunny and exposed
sites. It is widespread on calcareous areas in Europe where it
is known from montane to alpine localities. In Bulgaria it is
known in both upper and lower altitudes. It is the fi rst report
from the Pirin Mts.
Specimen examined: Pirin Mts, Orelek peak, alt. 2040 m, on limestone
rocks, 22 Sep 1975 [KRAM-L 35 093(c)].
V. calciseda auct.
Occurs on hard limestones, in sunny and exposed sites.
is endolithic species is widespread in Europe in areas rich
in limestone. In the fi eld it can be distinguished by the white
thallus and the radiating cracks running from the perithecial
pits.
Specimens examined: Black Sea coast, Zlatni Pyasutsi, Aladzha monastery,
on calcareous rocks, 2 Aug 1962 [KRAM-L 7956(a)].
*V. dolosa Hepp
is species is distinguished by the small perithecia,
small ascospores (15-18 × 6-8 µm), and more or less conical
involucrellum. It occurs on siliceous and calcareous rocks in
both dry and moist habitats, in shaded places. In Europe it
is reported mainly from the central and southern part of the
continent.
Specimen examined: Stara Planina Mts, Koznitsa, alt. 1900 m, on
limestone, 28 Jul 1962 [KRAM-L 8009(c)].
V. dufourii DC.
is species occurs on calcareous rocks, mostly on hard
limestone and dolomite, in shady habitats. In Bulgaria it
occurs in Slavyanka Mt, Pirin Mts, and the Rhodopes mainly
from montane to alpine belts, rarely lower.
Specimen examined: Pirin Mts, Orelek peak, alt. 1820 m, on calcareous
rocks, 22 Sep 1975 (KRAM-L 35 041).
*V. funckii (Spreng.) Zahlbr.
is freshwater species occurs on submerged siliceous
rocks in streams and rivers of Europe where it is widespread.
is species has been confused with V. elaeomelaena, but it can
be distinguished by entirely immersed perithecia, narrower
and shorter ascospores and substratum preference; V. funckii
grows exclusively on siliceous rocks and V. elaeomelaena on
calcareous. e nomenclatural problems connected with both
species were discussed in detail by Hawksworth (1989) and
üs (2002).
Specimens examined: Stara Planina Mts, Berkovska Planina, between
Petrohan and Kom, alt. 1700 m, on submerged siliceous rocks in stream,
29 Jul 1962 (KRAM-L 3942); Vitosha region, Vitosha Mt, Selimitsa peak,
alt. ca 1800-1900 m, on submerged siliceous rocks in stream, 25 Jul 1962
(KRAM-L 1166, 8248, 8298, 9348); Vitosha Mt, below Aleko chalet, alt.
2000 m, on submerged pebbles, 25 Jul 1962 (KRAM-L 1164); Vitosha Mt,
Cherni Vruh peak, alt. 2000 m, 25 Jul 1962 (KRAM-L 8080).
V. fuscella (Turner) Winch.
is species prefers the habitats of sunny calcareous rocks
and occurs on natural outcrops but is frequently also recorded
from walls and buildings. Young thalli are parasitic on
Verrucaria nigrescens, often forming few small patches up to
ca 5 mm wide and scattered on the host thallus. is species
has been confused with V. polysticta and for a long time both
taxa were misidentifi ed, and also often named V. glaucina. e
problem was discussed by Orange (2004).
Specimens examined: Stara Planina Mts, Koznitsa, Golyama Mogila, alt.
1900 m, on limestone, 28 Jul 1962 [KRAM-L 3244(c), 8009(d)]; Pirin Mts,
Bayovi Doupki cirkus, alt. 1960 m, on limestone, 21 Sep 1975 (KRAM-L
35 203); in the vicinity of Papaz Chair chalet, alt. 1710 m, on limestone, 22
Sep 1975 (KRAM-L 35 258); Yavorov chalet, alt. 1800 m, on limestone, 21
Sep 1975 (KRAM-L 35 228).
*V. halizoa Leight.
is maritime species grows on siliceous rocks in the mid-
littoral zone. It is distinguished by the thin thallus without
ridges and without black punctae. It is known from the
seashores of western and southern Europe.
Specimens examined: Black Sea coast, Sozopol, on acidic rocks submerged
in sea water, 4 Aug 1962 [KRAM-L 9340(a)].
V. hochstetteri Fr.
is endolithic species occurs on calcareous rocks and
mortar, in rather shaded and humid places. It is widespread
() 133
from Scandinavia to Mediterranean region. In Bulgaria it is
reported from the Rodopes and Vitosha region. is is the
fi rst note from the Pirin Mts.
Specimen examined: Pirin Mts, in the vicinity of Papaz Chair chalet, alt.
1640 m, on limestone, 22 Sep 1975 (KRAM-L 35 085).
*V. hydrela Ach.
is freshwater species occurs on submerged siliceous
pebbles and rocks in streams, rivers and lakeshores, mainly on
shaded sites but also from sunny places (Krzewicka & Galas
2006). It is widespread in Europe.
Specimens examined: Stara Planina Mts, Koznitsa, between Petrohan and
Golyama Mogila, alt. 1600 m, on submerged sandstones in stream, 28 Jul
1962 (KRAM-L 8011); Ray chalet, alt. 1600 m, on submerged granite rocks
in stream, 7 Aug 1962 (KRAM-L 8924).
V. lecideoides (A. Massal.) Trevis.
It occurs on limestone rocks on natural outcrops and on
walls and buildings in sunny, nutrient-enriched situations. It
is known from central and southern Europe; reported also
from Bulgaria.
Specimens examined: Stara Planina Mts, Sinite Kamuni, peak Bulgarka,
alt. 1100 m, on calcareous rocks, 6 Aug 1962 (KRAM-L 1769, 17 160);
Sredna Gora Mts, Lozenska Planina, Garvanets near Pasarel, alt. 760 m,
on limestone rocks, 22 Oct 1976 [KRAM-L 35 301(a)]; the Rhodopes,
Chernatitsa, Byala Cherkva, alt. 1300 m, on limestone rocks, 29 Sep 1975
(KRAM-L 34 962).
V. macrostoma Dufour ex DC.
is species occurs on calcareous rocks, walls, and
tombstones. It belongs to the V. nigrescens group and can
be distinguished by larger (up to 400 µm) and paler areoles,
with single perithecia immersed in areoles. So far, in Bulgaria
it has been reported only from the region of the Black Sea
coast.
Specimen examined: Black Sea coast, Dikili Tash Reserve, near Varna, on
calcareous rock, 31 Jul 1962 (KRAM-L 1376).
V. margacea (Wahlenb.) Wahlenb.
is freshwater species occurs on submerged siliceous
rocks in streams and rivers. It is widespread in Europe. In
Bulgaria it is reported from Pirin and Rila Mts and now from
Stara Planina Mts.
Specimen examined: Stara Planina Mts, Koznitsa, between Petrohan and
Golyama Mogila, alt. 1600 m, on siliceous rocks in stream, 28 Jul 1962
(KRAM-L 3243).
V. maura Wahlenb.
is maritime species occurs on both calcareous and
siliceous rocks, or even on shells, forming a black band in
the upper littoral zone and continuing into the salt-spray
zone. is cosmopolitan halophilous species has a worldwide
distribution from the Arctic to Antarctic regions. In Bulgaria
it has been reported from the Black Sea coast from Sozopol
(Szatala 1929; Zhelezova 1963) but probably it is widespread
throughout the seashores of Bulgaria.
Specimens examined: Black Sea coast, Sozopol, on acidic rocks submerged
in sea water, 4 Aug 1962 (KRAM-L 4339, 8185, 9343, 9344, 17 158).
V. minuta (Hepp) Zschacke
It occurs on non- or weakly calcareous substrata. In
Bulgaria it is reported from a few fl oristic regions, such as
the Black Sea coast, Forebalkan, Vitosha region, and now also
from Stara Planina Mts. In Europe it is reported mainly from
central and southern regions.
Specimens examined: Stara Planina Mts, Sinite Kamuni, Bulgarka peak,
on calcareous rocks, 6 Aug 1962 (KRAM-L 19 772).
V. muralis Ach.
is species occurs on limestone, mortar, bricks, concrete
and calcareous soil, sometimes on siliceous substrates,
frequently on pebbles embedded in the ground, in natural
and semi-natural habitats. It is widespread and common in
the whole Europe. In Bulgaria it is known from three fl oristic
regions, but it is very likely to be much more frequent there.
is is the fi rst note of the species from the Black Sea coast
and Stara Planina Mts.
Specimens examined: Black Sea coast, Zlatni Pyasutsi, near Varna, Aladzha
monastery, on calcareous rock in sunny place, 2 Aug 1962 (KRAM-L 9347);
Stara Planina Mts, Koznitsa, Golyama Mogila, alt. 1900 m, on limestone, 28
Jul 1962 [(KRAM-L 8009(a)]; the Rhodopes, Shoptsi, on sandstone rocks,
27 Nov 1976 [KRAM-L 29 532(b)].
V. nigrescens Pers.
In Bulgaria one of the most frequent species of Verrucaria
reported from calcareous areas. It can be distinguished within
V. nigrescens group by the dark brown thallus with dark brown
to black medulla and mainly 1 (–3) perithecia immersed in
each areole, areoles less than 1 mm diam; sometimes the edges
of the areoles are sorediate.
Specimens examined: Stara Planina Mts, Koznitsa, Golyama Mogila, alt.
1900 m, on limestone, 28 Jul 1962 [(KRAM-L 3244 (a)]; Ray chalet, alt.
1500 m, on limestone, 7 Aug 1962 (KRAM-L 40 115); Pirin Mts, Orelek
peak, alt. 1820 and 2040 m, on limestone rocks, 22 Sep 1975 [KRAM-L
35 042, 35 093(a), 35 243]; in the vicinity of Yavorov chalet, alt. 1740 m, on
limestone rocks, 21 Sep 1975 [KRAM-L 35 107); the Rhodopes, Chernatitsa,
Byalocherovski Rid, alt. 1300 m, on limestone rocks, 29 Sep 1975(KRAM-L
35 132); ditto, Oct 1976 (KRAM-L 30 241).
*V. obfuscans Nyl.
It can be easily distinguished from other members of the
V. nigrescens group by multiple perithecia (7-14) in irregular
areoles which have a dark brown to black basal layer. It is
known mainly from calcareous areas in central Europe.
Specimens examined: Stara Planina Mts, Koznitsa, alt. 1900 m, on
limestone, 28 Jul 1962 [KRAM-L 8744(a), 8009(b)]; Sredna Gora Mts,
Lozenska Planina, Garvanets near Pasarel, alt. 760 m, on limestone rocks, 22
Oct 1976 [KRAM-L 35 301(b)].
*V. parmigerella Zahlbr.
is species is distinguished by fl at, lid-like and radially
grooved involucrellum, a grey, blue grey to grey-green thallus,
134 , . et al. — Verrucaria
at the margin often bordered by a dark prothallus, and the
presence of blue-green crystals in the cortical layer. is
species occurs in the larger limestone and dolomite areas of
Europe including Bulgaria.
Specimen examined: Stara Planina Mts, Koznitsa, Golyama Mogila, alt.
1900 m, on limestone, 28 Jul 1962 [(KRAM-L 3244 (d)].
V. polysticta Borrer
It occurs on calcareous rocks, on natural outcrops and on
walls. is species has been confused with V. fuscella and for
long time both taxa have often incorrectly been determined
as V. glaucina. According to Orange (2004) it can be
distinguished from V. fuscella by thallus growth form (distinct
primary areoles arising on a prothallus), and by the perithecia
mostly arising between the units which become delimited in
the upper thallus.
Specimens examined: Black Sea coast, near Varna, Zlatni Pyasutsi, Aladzha
monastery, on limestone rocks, 2 Aug 1962 (KRAM-L 656, 9346); Stara
Planina Mts, Koznitsa, alt. 1900 m, on limestone, 28 Jul 1962 [KRAM-L
8744(c)]; Pirin Mts, Bayuvi Doupki cirkus, alt. 1960 m, on limestone on
Verrucaria nigrescens, 21 Sep 1975 (KRAM-L 35 082); the Rhodopes,
Shoptsi, on sandstone rocks, 27 Nov 1976 [KRAM-L 29 532(a)].
*V. procopii Servít
It can be distinguished within the V. nigrescens group by
the dark brown areoles, which are isidiate at the margins.
Verrucaria macrostoma f. furfuracea de Lesd. diff ers in the
isidia the same brown color as the thallus areoles whereas they
are black and thus conspicuously darker than the thallus in V.
procopii. is species is known mainly from calcareous areas
in central Europe where it occupies calcareous rocks, or rocks
with calcareous constituents. It occurs on sunny and exposed
sites.
Specimen examined: the Rhodopes, Beglika Reserve, on calcareous rocks,
28 Sep 1975 (KRAM-L 34 998).
Acknowledgements. e authors would like to express their warm gratitude
to Alan Orange for the helpful comments on the manuscript. ey are also
grateful to the Curator of KRAM-L herbarium, Urszula Bielczyk, for kindly
allowing them to study Verrucaria collections.
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