New lichen species of the Henotrichia genus found in Krustkalni nature reserve

A new lichen has been found in the Krustkalni nature reserve in Madona municipality, Latvia, the Latvian Mycological Society has announced. The society promotes the study of fungi, lichens and slime moulds. The discovery adds to evidence of inconspicuous organisms living in the country's forests.

The find was made by Renāte Kaupuža, a representative of the society. She spotted the lichen, which belongs to the Henotrichia genus, growing on a spruce violet-pored bracket fungus. Its fruiting bodies look like tiny pins.

What Henotrichia are

Henotrichia are lichens closely associated with bracket fungi. The genus itself became known to science only in 2023, so it is a relatively recent description.

Not the first find in Latvia

The society notes that the Krustkalni observation is not the first record of this genus in Latvia. It is another sign that such barely noticeable organisms occur in the country's forests.

About the society

The Latvian Mycological Society was founded in 2002. It brings together mycologists (fungi researchers), lichenologists (lichen researchers), slime mould researchers and nature enthusiasts. Its goals are research into fungi, lichens and slime moulds, public education and the preservation of biodiversity.