Lithothelium kiritea
Biostatus
Native – Endemic taxon
Interim conservation status
Please note, conservation statuses are often proposed by authors of newly described taxa when they are published between NZTCS assessment periods. If such proposed conservation statuses are consistent with the criteria of the NZTCS, they are presented here as ‘interim’ statuses in accordance with the NZTCS manual, whilst acknowledging that they have not been formally assessed by the NZTCS panel.
2024 | Not Threatened | Qualifiers: DPS, DPT | Interim | Marshall et al (2024)
Category
Lichen
Structural class
Lichens - Crustose
Lichen substrate
Corticolous (bark, wood)
Threats
Lithothelium kiritea is usually an abundant, at times locally dominant, lichen of the trunks of Cordyline australis in coastal locations. Currently it is known from a small area of New Zealand, though abundant in that area (Marshall et al. 2024). It should be looked for elsewhere, as this species is more likely overlooked than truly absent, though indications are that it is a ‘recent’ arrival from overseas, probably Australia, and it should be looked for over there as well (Marshall et al. 2024). Currently the species has a provisional assessment of ‘Not Threatened’ (Marshall et al. 2024).
Detailed taxonomy
Genus
Family
Endemic taxon
Yes
Endemic genus
No
Endemic family
No
Other information
Etymology
kiritea: From te reo Māori [Māori language] meaning ‘white skinned’ in reference to the white covering the species applies to the bark of its host phorophyte.
Referencing and citations
References and further reading
Marshall A.J., Aptroot A., Blanchon D.J., James C.J., de Lange P.J. 2024. New Zealand Lithothelium (Pyrenulaceae) - description of a new species Lithothelium kiritea sp. nov., with notes on L. australe. Ukrainian Botanical Journal 81(2): 145–154. https://doi.org/10.15407/ukrbotj81.02.145
NZPCN Fact Sheet citation
Please cite as: de Lange, P.J. (Year at time of access): Lithothelium kiritea Fact Sheet (content continuously updated). New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. https://www.nzpcn.org.nz/flora/species/lithothelium-kiritea/ (Date website was queried)