Talk:List of lichens of Namibia

Lichens in Namibia

Despite harsh conditions in the Namib, there is biodiversity which have developed to survive under harsh conditions of the desert. The frequent occurrence of precipitation as fog in the coastal parts of deserts is the major influence that allows the survival of the organisms called lichens. Lichens are a successful alliance between a fungus and algae. A relationship that involves two or more organisms depending on each other is called a symbiotic relationship, because both organisms benefits from the association.In case of lichens, the fungus componet benefits from the carbohydrates(sugar) produced by the algae and the alga gets moisture from the fungus. This relationship clearly shows that, neither of these two liche components can stand alone.Vokman Wirth(2010) points out that "Neither algal nor fungal components alone are capable of achieving such astonishing capacity as the corresponding lichen" (p.6). **much of this is not specific to lichens in Namibia, but can be dealt with by linking to the lichen page. This article needs to focus on what is special about the location, formations (lichen fields) and relationships to other organisms in Namibia**--Caraval (talk) 13:08, 16 January 2013 (UTC)

The structure of these organisms is diverse since they have different forms.According to Wirth (2010), he states that,the algae are protected by the hyphae of the non-photosythetic partners, the fungus.The algae are found in the centre and the fungus occupy the residual space in the lichen. As far as their structure is concerned,Wirth (2010)points out that "the cortex in section can appear as a structure of more or less rounded-multiangular cells which are called paraplectenchymatous". Lichens occur whereever possible and in the namib they are known mostly to grow on shrubs,rocks and pebbles of the gravel plains.These small organisms can cover large areas in dense population where they form lichen fields which can easily be noticed even by tourists. As mentioned, the association of algae and fungus depend on each other for food.Alagae are able to produce carbohydrates due to the presence of chlorophyll in the cells.During daylight, the algae captures sunlight from the sun and the fungus supplies moisture so that all raw materials for photosynthesis are available for the algae to produce food by photosynthesis. After photosynthesis when the carbohydrates are produced, the fungus's hyphae absorb some nutrients for their own growth.

Lichens have different growth forms. The three main types of growth forms of liches as follows: 1. Crustose lichens: They have a crust like thallus which is firmly attached to the surface of their substrate. 2.Foliose lichens:Their thallus is leaf-like and looks to be lobed. 3.Fruitcose lichens: They have a shrubby to beard-like thallus.

Currently, Namibia has 120 lichens species which are found in the Namib Desert and most of them are rare and a significant number of them occur only there. ** List native species? How many are rare? Links to papers ** --Caraval (talk) 13:08, 16 January 2013 (UTC) "Many are endemic to this region, and others show affirnities between the Namib lichen biota and other fog deserts of the world, such as the Antacama in South America and Baja California in mexico and California."(Wirth, 2010). Different growth forms of lichens have organs that are specialized for either sexual or vegetative reproduction. The most important distiquising organs of the lichens are soredia and sidia.(Wirth, 2010, p.11).Crustose and foliose lichens have fruiting bodies which reproduce vegetatively using soredia and sidia. Although lichens have a small size, they have ecologicalfunctions: 1. They are pioneers in plant succession 2.Agents in stabilizing soil in the Namib Desert 3.Primary source of carbon assimilation which means they are primary producers(Autotrophs) that provides habitats and food for other organisms. **name some species of animal in Namibia which depend on lichen. Is lichen eaten all year round, or mainly in drought?** --Caraval (talk) 13:08, 16 January 2013 (UTC) 4.Bioaccumulators: They contribute to nutrient cycling in the forestry of Waterberg.

Lichen vegetation is very vulnerable.According to(Wirth,2010), lichens communities in the Namib are damaged by off-road driving and mining.How ever, the Wlotzkasbaken lichen field situated north of Swakopmund was considered for protection after an environmental Impact Asses was done before the development of Trekopje(Areva) mine. 14 kilometer of fence was erected around the north-eastern side of the field to prevent them from outside shortcuts by vehicles through the desert.Signs were set up by Ministry of Environment and Tourism to announce about the site location and vulnerability, as well as several colorful information boards on lichens. The mine also put up an information stand and provided desalinated water so that people can tap a glass of fresh desalinated water while reading all about the nearby lichen field. These double organisms called lichens play major roles on the Namibian deserts. They are ecologically important and educationally valuable because they can be referred to for people interested in botany. They should therefore be taken into consideration in areas where they occur, before any development takes place. I would suggest that all Namibian lichen fields should be fenced off as this will protect them from being damaged by non-conservationist with their reckless driving.

Reference 1. Theron,G,L.(2006).Plant Studies 1 study guide 2. Wirth,V. (2010).Lichens of the Namib Desert.Windhoek;Klaus Hess Publisher

Lichen checklist

Here's a link to a list of the lichens of Namibia, as of July 2022. MeegsC (talk) 16:48, 31 May 2023 (UTC)