Lichens of Historical Manor Parks in Northwest-central Belarus

Abstract

As a result of the study of lichenized Ascomycota in six sample manor parks, situated in Minsk region, 119 species were identified. The parks belong to the two categories: species-rich (with 65–72 lichen species) and species-poor (with 38–47 species). Cluster analysis based on relative abundance of the species showed small differences between species-poor parks and significant differences between species-rich parks. The presence of numerous old-aged trees, wetlands, stone aggregations, ruins, and complicated relief are considered. as the factors, rising species richness in parks. The main characteristics making dif-ferences in lichen biota of the parks were number of rare species, number of species belonging to crustose growth form, and number of species inhabiting mineral substrata. In the same time number of foliose species, per cent of epiphytic species, number of species on concrete and wood were similar in the parks studied. Seven taxa, especially Oxneria fallax, Parmelina tiliacea, and Pleurosticta acetabulum, were distinguished as confined mostly to park ecosystems. Candelaria pacifica, Lecania erysibe, L. sylvestris, and Thelidium minutulum were recorded for the first time in Belarus. Diplotomma alboatrum, Leptogium cyanescens, and Pyrrhospora quernea were confirmed for lichen biota of Belarus by recent collections.