Data on chorology and autoecology of Ramalina lusitanica and R. pusilla in Catalonia

Abstract

Ramalina lusitanica and R. pusilla are two epiphytic lichens with a coastal distribution in the Mediterranean region, southwest coast of the Iberian Peninsula and the Macaronesian region. On the coast of Catalunya, there are very few known populations, and most of them are old references. In this study, we have verified the presence of these lichens in the UTM 10 × 10 squares where they were previously cited and have prospectively identified new squares on the Catalan coast where the optimal conditions for their presence could be found. We have selected and visited 15 squares. As a result of this work, the number of squares with the presence of R. pusilla increased from three to six, while that of R. lusitanica increased from one to three. We have biologically and microclimatologically characterised a population with the presence of both Ramalina species. After this work, we have therefore proposed the protection of R. lusitanica as endangered species to the Catalogue of Threatened Flora of Catalunya, on the grounds that this will also benefit R. pusilla, which is part of the same community.