New Lichen Species Buellia Maharajensis Discovered in Kerala’s Mathikettan Shola National Park

The newly identified species was recorded at elevations ranging from about 1,351 metres to 1,809 metres. Researchers found it in several parts of the national park, particularly in open and sun-exposed areas where it grows on rocks.

The discovery also adds two more species of the Buellia group to Kerala’s known lichen records, taking the total number of recorded Buellia species in the state to 11.

Key Highlights:

• New species: Buellia maharajensis.
• Location: Mathikettan Shola National Park, Idukki, Kerala.
• Habitat: Rocks in montane wet grasslands.
• Elevation: Around 1,351 to 1,809 metres.
• Nature: Saxicolous, meaning it grows on rocks.
• Discovery areas: Choondal, Vattappara, Karadippara and Sarvekkalpara.
• Naming: The species name recognises the contribution of Maharaja’s College to education and scientific research.
• Additional records: Buellia hemispherica and Buellia nilgiriensis have also been recorded in Kerala for the first time.
• Buellia diversity: The discovery increases the number of Buellia species known from Kerala to 11.
• Biodiversity significance: The finding highlights the rich and still-underexplored lichen diversity of the Western Ghats.