The GSMNP is extremely rich in lichens, especially in lichens growing on tree bark and on rock overhangs. I will continue my previous work aiming at finding so many bark and rock lichens as possible that are new to science or at least new to the park. I will focus on sterile, crustose species. Good material from several localities is needed to make good descriptions of lichens that are new to science. It is necessary to carry out field work in as many habitats as possible in all parts of the park to learn about the variation and ecology of the species. The dust lichens (the genus Lepraria) have a diversity center in the park. They can easily be seen on bark and rock surfaces from trails throughout the park. Several of them have no name, i.e., they are not yet described.

Principal Investigator

PI Name:  Dr. Tor Tonsberg

PI Organization:  University of Bergen, Norway, Museum of Botany