Epigeic lichens of different development stages of forest growing on the heathland

Abstract

The study deals with the occurrence of epigeic lichens on the study plots with a varying percentage of Calluna vulgaris (L.) in different forest development stages on the heathland Glinki near the southern boundary of Toruń. Five plots were established in the gradient of the increasing density of pine. A total of 17 lichen species were identified, typical of this type of habitats, mainly from the genus of Cladonia, including e.g.: Cladonia arbuscula, C. furcata, C. gracilis, C. uncialis as well as Cetraria aculeata, C. islandica, and also Stereocaulon condensatum and Trapeliopsis granulosa . Two species, i.e. Cladonia digitata and C. portentosa occurred only on the heath. The light availability and the trophic status of the substrate determine this kind of distribution of lichens.