Developmental variability in Cladonia strepsilis

Abstract

The morphogenesis of Cladonia strepsilis, which is poorly understood, is determined by its fungal meristem tissue. The meristem follows a variable developmental pattern that results in podetia with a range of morphologies. Early ontogeny of the meristem includes combinations of splitting, enlarging, and budding, which give rise to mature podetia that are difficult to characterize. The growth dynamics of C. strepsilis resembles that of other presumably unrelated taxa within Cladonia. Its heterogeneous ontogeny is considered as primitive. Development in this species is best interpreted as a continuous process that gives rise to a number of related forms. A process morphology interpretation of C. strepsilis provides insights into the possible relationships of this species, which may belong in section Perviae.

Key Words:

• Cladoniaceae
• growth dynamics
• lichen evolution
• morphogenesis
• ontogenetic pathways