The genus Trentepohlia in South-eastern Queensland

Abstract

The genus Trentepohlia is recorded for the first time from Queensland. The following speciesnare listed and discussed: T. aurea (L.) Martius, T. bossei de Wild., T. odorata (Wiggers) Wittr.,nT. rigidula (Muell. Arg.) Hariot, T. abietina (Flat.) Hansg., T. effusa (Kremp.) Hariot,nT. bagariensis de Wild..The Trentepohlieae are a widely distributed group of subaerial algae, particularlynwell developed in tropical and subtropical regions; however, up to thenpresent, no representatives have been recorded from Queensland apart from thenrecord by Bailey (1913) of Mycoidea parasitica Cunningham.The cells typically contain an orange-red haematochrome, and members ofnthe genus Trentepohlia are reported to be responsible for brilliant colouring ofnrocks, walls and tree trunks in some localities. Biswas (1932) describes the colourneffects on the trunks of Oreodoxa regia in Calcutta due to lichens and variousnalgae, among which are several species of Trentepohlia. In south-eastern Queensland,nonly one species, T. odorata, is responsible for brilliant colouring of exposednsurfaces, and this species prefers well weathered hardwood to the trunks of livingntrees. Any yellow-green or orange-red colouring of the latter is due usually tonProtococcus viridis Ag. and to various lichens. n n n n n