Lichen in heathvegetation of Terengganu

Abstract

Lichen is a symbiotic association between algae and fungus primarily ascomycete. Many lichens can grow in clean and unpolluted air but they can also be found in extremely poor environmental conditions including on heath vegetation. This study was conducted to examine lichen diversity in heath vegetation on 'Beach ridges interspersed with swales' (BRIS) in Rantau Abang, and Setiu, Terengganu between August 2006 to February 2007. A total of 32 lichens specimens were collected from Rantau A bang and Setiu consist of crustose ( 16 specimens), foliose (10 specimens), fruticose (three specimens), leprose (two specimens), and squamulose (one specimen). The most common lichen groups are crustose and foliose lichen. All samples were collected from tree bark of various host species including unidentified species. However, no particular host preference for lichens observed. Possible contributing factors to lichen diversity and abundance on heath vegetation of Terengganu are discussed.