View source for Peltigera cinnamomea

{{Short description|Species of lichen}}
{{good article}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=May 2024}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Peltigera cinnamomea 99230.jpg 
| image_caption = Upper thallus surface of ''Peltigera cinnamomea'' contrasted with lower surface (upper left)
| taxon = Peltigera cinnamomea
| authority = Goward (1995)
| range_map = {{Infobox mapframe|coord={{coord|51|52|N|120|01|W}}|zoom=4}}
| range_map_caption = [[Holotype]]: [[Clearwater River (British Columbia)|Clearwater River Basin]], Canada<ref name="Goward 1994"/>
}}

'''''Peltigera cinnamomea''''', commonly known as the '''cinnamon-pelt lichen''', is a [[muscicolous lichen|muscicolous]] ([[moss]]-dwelling), [[foliose lichen|leafy lichen]] in the family [[Peltigeraceae]]. The Canadian [[lichenologist]] Trevor Goward [[species description|formally described]] the species in 1995. The lichen is found in northwestern North America's forested regions, particularly in the unique montane and subalpine forest communities of the northern [[Rocky Mountains]]. ''Peltigera cinnamomea'' grows under prolonged snow cover, surviving well into spring. This trait distinguishes it from many other ''[[Peltigera]]'' species in similar North American forest ecosystems.

''Peltigera cinnamomea'' forms a specialised [[symbiosis|symbiotic]] relationship with specific [[strain (biology)|strains]] of the cyanobacterium ''[[Nostoc]]'', enabling it to [[nitrogen fixation|fix atmospheric nitrogen]], crucial for survival in nutrient-poor environments. This lichen is part of the broadly defined [[species complex]] centred around the widely distributed ''[[Peltigera canina]]''. Within this complex, ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea'' falls under the CICADE group, indicating a preference for moist, [[woodland]] habitats.

Characterised by its leafy [[thallus]], which is loosely attached to its {{lichengloss|substrate}}, ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea'' typically measures {{cvt|10|–|30|cm|0}} in diameter. The thallus has a distinctive appearance, with a dull, billowed upper surface covered in a soft, dense growth of hairs. The [[botanical name|species name]] ''cinnamomea'' is reflected in the pale tan undersurface of the thallus, featuring rusty-brown, cinnamon-coloured {{lichengloss|veins}}. The lichen produces [[apothecia]] ([[fruiting bodies]]) that bear clear {{lichengloss|ascospores}} with three [[septum|internal partitions]].

==Taxonomy==
The [[type (biology)|type specimen]] of ''Peltigera cinnamomea'' was collected by the Canadian lichenologist Trevor Goward on 13 April 1985, within the [[Clearwater River (British Columbia)|Clearwater River Basin]] in [[British Columbia]] (Canada), at an elevation of {{cvt|675|m}}. The lichen was found growing over a mossy boulder situated in a [[blockfield|boulder bed]] in an open, [[mixed forest]]. ''Peltigera cinnamomea'' was first scientifically documented by Goward in a 1994 report on the ''[[Peltigera]]'' species in [[Alberta]], published by the [[Provincial Museum of Alberta]].<ref name="Goffinet & Hastings 1994"/> It did not, however, meet the specific standards for [[validly published name|valid publication]] of a new species, due to non-compliance with Articles 39.1 and 40.1 of the [[International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants|nomenclatural rules]], which require a clear [[species description|description]] and the designation of a type specimen.<ref name="IF: P. cinnamomea 1994"/> Goward published it formally a year later in 1995, as part of a synopsis of ''Peltigera'' occurring in British Columbia. ''Peltigera cinnamomea'', although readily recognisable in its natural habitat, was historically  misidentified as ''[[Peltigera praetextata|P.&nbsp;praetextata]]'', because both species share some superficial similarities. However, their distinct ecological preferences, alongside more detailed morphological differences, led to the formal recognition of ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea''.<ref name="Goward 1995"/>

The [[botanical name|species epithet]] refers to the [[cinnamon]]-coloured veins on the thallus underside.<ref name="Goward 1995"/> Goward called it the "dog pelt" in a previous publication before it was officially named.<ref name="Goward 1994"/> It has also been referred to as the "cinnamon-pelt lichen".<ref name="Exeter et al. 2016"/>

Early (2003) [[molecular phylogenetics]] studies of taxa within the ''P.&nbsp;canina'' [[species complex]] delineated two major [[monophyletic]] groups, meaning they consist of all the descendants of a [[common ancestor]], each with distinct ecological preferences. The two groups are known as CICADE and PORUDI. The acronym CICADE stands for "Cinnamomea, Canina, Degelii, and their close relatives", encompassing species that are primarily [[mesophyte|mesophytic]], meaning they thrive in moderately moist environments, to [[hygrophyte|subhygrophytic]], indicating they prefer slightly wetter conditions. While these species typically occupy humid, woodland habitats, they can also be found in drier locations. ''Peltigera cinnamomea'' is a part of the CICADE group, reflecting its preference for environments that maintain moderate to high humidity. This categorisation is supported by genetic data that confirms its close relationship with other species in this group.<ref name="Miadlikowska et al. 2003"/>

==Description==
[[File:Peltigera cinnamomea Goward 238878.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.5|The [[thallus]] underside shows the cinnamon-coloured {{lichengloss|veins}} for which the lichen is named.]]
''Peltigera cinnamomea'' is characterised by its foliose, loosely attached [[thallus]], which typically spans {{cvt|10|–|30|cm|0}} in diameter. The structure of the thallus facilitates various ecological functions. The {{lichengloss|lobes}} of this lichen are somewhat leathery and stiff, measuring approximately {{cvt|1|to|3|cm|1}} in width, elongating and loosely overlapping with irregular branches. The tips of the lobes are rounded and may either lie flat or curve downwards, with generally smooth margins. The upper surface varies in colour from pale bluish-grey to pale brownish-grey, and may be tinged with shades of cinnamon brown. This surface is dull, often billowed broadly, and covered with a tomentum—a short, soft, dense growth of hairs—that tends to fade near the thallus centre.<ref name="Goward 1995"/>

The lichen lacks [[soredia]] (granular reproductive structures) and [[isidia]] (outgrowths containing both the algae and the fungus of the lichen), indicative of its specific reproductive and structural characteristics. The margins are devoid of {{lichengloss|lobules}} (small lobes). 

The lower surface features pale tan {{lichengloss|veins}} that darken to rusty brown or cinnamon brown towards the centre. These veins are narrow, occasionally raised, and smooth ({{lichengloss|glabrous}}), while the areas between them (interstices) are whitish and moderately deep. The [[rhizine]]s, root-like structures, match the colour of the veins and range from {{lichengloss|simple}} to intricately branched ({{lichengloss|penicillate}}), enhancing the lichen's attachment to its substrate.<ref name="Goward 1995"/>

The {{lichengloss|cortex}} of the thallus is 50–80&nbsp;[[μm]] thick, and beneath this lies a {{lichengloss|photobiont}} layer, 20–80&nbsp;μm thick, hosting the cyanobacterium ''[[Nostoc]]''. The [[medulla (lichenology)|medulla]], a loosely packed layer of fungal [[hypha]]e located beneath the photobiont layer, is white and measures 70–180&nbsp;μm in thickness.<ref name="Goward 1995"/>

[[Apothecia]] (fruiting bodies) are commonly found at the margins on narrow, elongate lobes. These bear a medium brown, longitudinally folded {{lichengloss|disc}}, averaging 6–10&nbsp;mm in length and typically erect. The {{lichengloss|ascospores}} are clear ([[hyaline]]), three-septate, and measure 40–49&nbsp;μm in length by 3–5&nbsp;μm in width, with eight spores per [[ascus]] (the spore-bearing sacs). [[Conidiomata]] (asexual reproductive structures) have not been observed to occur in this species.<ref name="Goward 1995"/>

Other than trace amounts of unidentified substances, no [[secondary metabolite]]s ([[lichen product]]s) have been detected in this species.<ref name="Goward 1995"/>

==Photobiont==

''Peltigera cinnamomea'' forms a specialised [[symbiosis|symbiotic]] relationship with the [[cyanobacterium]] ''Nostoc'', which serves as its primary [[photosynthesis|photosynthetic]] partner (photobiont). Unlike many lichens that may associate with various ''Nostoc'' [[strain (biology)|strains]], ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea'' specifically partners with certain genetic clusters of ''Nostoc''. Genetic studies have identified specific clusters of ''Nostoc'', indicating a closely adapted relationship where the lichen's fungal component and its photosynthetic partner have [[coevolution|co-evolved]] to maximise mutual survival benefits. This partnership benefits ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea'' by enabling it to efficiently [[nitrogen fixation|fix atmospheric nitrogen]], vital for thriving in nutrient-sparse environments. This tailored relationship suggests that the distribution of ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea'' may be closely tied to the presence of its specific ''Nostoc'' partners, reflecting a delicate balance between the lichen and its preferred photobiont environments.<ref name="O'Brien et al. 2013"/>

==Similar species==

''Peltigera cinnamomea'' is often recognisable in its natural habitat but was frequently misidentified as ''P.&nbsp;praetextata'' in taxonomic classifications.<ref name="Brodo et al. 2001"/> Unlike ''P.&nbsp;praetextata'', which has brownish or tan-coloured veins that are often tomentose and partially erect, ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea'' has paler veins. ''P.&nbsp;praetextata'' has somewhat crisped lobe margins with lobules, particularly on older parts of the thallus. Both species occur throughout inland British Columbia, but ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea'' predominantly inhabits areas with prolonged snow cover, persisting until May or June, conditions under which ''P.&nbsp;praetextata'' is absent.<ref name="Goward 1995"/>
{| class="center toccolours"
|+ '''Lookalikes'''
|<gallery mode="packed" heights="140" style="line-height:130%">
File:Peltigera canina 35499481.jpg |alt= | ''[[Peltigera canina]]''
File:Scaly Dog Lichen.jpg |alt= | ''[[Peltigera praetextata]]''
File:Membranous Dog Lichen (3838496687).jpg |alt= | ''[[Peltigera membranacea]]''
File:Peltigera retifoveata 3 3 (4037097863).jpg |alt= | ''[[Peltigera retifoveata]]''
</gallery>
|-
|}
''Peltigera cinnamomea'' closely resembles the {{lichengloss|isidiate}} lichen ''[[Peltigera evansiana|P.&nbsp;evansiana]]'', suggesting they might form a {{lichengloss|species pair}}, where the {{lichengloss|primary}} species is fertile, and the {{lichengloss|secondary species}} reproduces [[vegetative reproduction|vegetatively]]. This similarity warrants careful observation for accurate identification.<ref name="Goward 1995"/>

Within the genus ''Peltigera'', ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea'' is grouped with species that feature ''Nostoc'' as a primary photobiont and have an appressed laminal tomentum. It shares similar lobe widths of {{cvt|1.5|–|3|cm|1}} with ''P.&nbsp;canina'', ''[[Peltigera membranacea|P.&nbsp;membranacea]]'', and ''[[Peltigera retifoveata|P.&nbsp;retifoveata]]'', unlike the narrower lobes of ''[[Peltigera didactyla|P.&nbsp;didactyla]]'' and ''[[Peltigera ponojensis|P.&nbsp;ponojensis]]''. The veins of ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea''—pale to cinnamon brown and low to partly raised—differ markedly from the darker, more elevated veins of ''P.&nbsp;praetextata'' and the broad, strongly raised veins of ''P.&nbsp;retifoveata''. Apothecia are frequently observed in ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea'', similar to ''P.&nbsp;canina'', ''P.&nbsp;membranacea'', and ''P.&nbsp;rufescens'', but less common in ''P.&nbsp;retifoveata''. Unlike most species in this comparison, only ''P.&nbsp;retifoveata'' consistently demonstrates chemical traits, whereas ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea'' does not. ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea'' prefers [[mesic habitat|mesic]] to [[hygric]] environments, particularly snowy locales, unlike the [[xeric]] to mesic habitats preferred by ''P.&nbsp;canina'', ''P.&nbsp;didactyla'', and ''P.&nbsp;ponojensis''. These distinctions in ecological adaptations and morphological features help identify and differentiate ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea'' from closely related species.<ref name="Goward 1995"/>

==Habitat and distribution==
[[File:Cinnamon Pelt (3839287714).jpg|thumb|right|Folded, brownish apothecia arise at the ends of elongated lobes and are usually erect.]]
''Peltigera cinnamomea'' inhabits various forested areas across western North America. It predominantly [[muscicolous lichen|grows on moss]], moss-covered rocks, and logs, in open and somewhat sheltered inland forests at various elevations. This species adapts well to mesophytic to hygrophytic conditions and is particularly prevalent in areas with prolonged snow cover, often surviving under snow until late spring or early summer (May or June). This resilience makes it one of the most snow-tolerant ''Peltigera'' species that occur in the local lichen [[funga]].<ref name="Goward 1995"/>

''Peltigera cinnamomea'' is extensively documented and is locally widespread in suitable forested habitats.<ref name="Goward 1995"/> It is most abundant in the [[Rocky Mountains]].<ref name="Martínez et al. 2003"/> In Canada, [[scientific collection|collections]] have been made in Alberta at [[Swan Hills]] and in British Columbia at multiple locations, including the Clearwater River Basin, [[Skeena River]] Basin, [[Skagit River]] Basin, [[Fraser River]] Basin, and [[Nechako River]] Basin. In the United States, it has been identified in [[Montana]] at [[Lake County, Montana|Lake Country]] and in [[Pend Oreille County, Washington]].<ref name="Goward 1995"/> It also occurs in [[Oregon]].<ref name="Exeter et al. 2016"/> In [[Alaska]], most records of the lichen are from the southeast region of the state.<ref name="Spribille et al. 2023"/> ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea'' is one of 29 ''Peltigera'' species in the [[Pacific Northwest]] region of North America.<ref name="McCune & Geiser 2009"/>

==Ecology==

''Peltigera cinnamomea'' grows in specific [[community (ecology)|ecological communities]] within [[montane]] and subalpine forests in the northern Rocky Mountains, particularly in the northern [[Whitefish Range]], Montana, USA. These communities are classified in a unique forest order called ''Calamagrostio-Pseudotsugetalia glaucae'', characterised by its dominant plant species and unique environmental conditions. Though termed an "order", this classification groups ecosystems with similar species and interactions, typical of valley bottoms and lower slopes across northwestern North America. These forests are distinct from the coastal forests of the ''Vaccinio-Piceetea'' class, filling niches similar to those of broad-leaved forests in other temperate regions. Influenced by Pacific [[air mass]]es, these areas benefit from moist conditions and extensive snow cover, providing a stable environment for the growth of species like ''P.&nbsp;cinnamomea''.<ref name="Stachurska-Swakoñ & Spribille 2002"/>

==Conservation==

''Peltigera cinnamomea'' has an "S5" provincial [[conservation status]] in British Columbia, meaning it is "demonstrably widespread, abundant, and secure". It is also listed as "yellow" in the B.C. List Status, indicating that it is "apparently secure and not at risk of extinction". It has not been assessed by the [[Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada]].<ref name="E-Flora BC"/> In Oregon, it was listed as a "[[taxon]] of concern" by the Oregon Biodiversity Information Center in 2016.<ref name="Exeter et al. 2016"/>

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em|refs=

<ref name="Brodo et al. 2001">{{cite book |authorlink=Irwin M. Brodo |first1=Irwin M. |last1=Brodo |first2=Sylvia Duran |last2=Sharnoff |authorlink3=Stephen Sharnoff |first3=Stephen |last3=Sharnoff |title=Lichens of North America |year=2001 |publisher=Yale University Press |page=520 |isbn=978-0-300-08249-4}}</ref>

<ref name="E-Flora BC">{{cite web |editor-last=Klinkenberg |editor-first=Brian |title=''Peltigera cinnamomea'' Goward |year=2020 |work=E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Plants of British Columbia [eflora.bc.ca] |publisher=Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, [[University of British Columbia]], Vancouver |url=https://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Peltigera%20cinnamomea |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>

<ref name="Exeter et al. 2016">{{cite report |last1=Exeter |first1=Ronald L. |last2=Glade |first2=Charity |last3=Loring |first3=Scot |year=2016 |title=Rare Lichens of Oregon |publisher=Salem District, [[Bureau of Land Management]] |location=Salem, Oregon |pages=74–75 |isbn=978-0-9791310-6-6}}</ref>

<ref name="Goffinet & Hastings 1994">{{cite report |last1=Goffinet |first1=B. |last2=Hastings |first2=R. |year=1994 |title=The lichen genus ''Peltigera'' (L.) Willd. in Alberta |publisher=[[Provincial Museum of Alberta]] |series=Natural History Occasional Paper |volume=21, pp. i-vi, 1-54 |doi=10.5962/bhl.title.104407 |isbn=0-7732-1317-1 |url= }}</ref>

<ref name="Goward 1994">{{cite book |last1=Goward |first1=Trevor |last2=McCune |first2=Bruce |last3=Meidinger |first3=Del |title=The Lichens of British Columbia: Illustrated Keys. Part 1 — Foliose and Squamulose Species |year=1994 |publisher=Ministry of Forests Research Program |isbn=0-7726-2194-2 |location=Victoria, B.C. |oclc=31651418 |pages=103}}</ref>

<ref name="Goward 1995">{{cite journal |last1=Goward |first1=Trevor |last2=Goffinet |first2=Bernard |authorlink3=Orvo Vitikainen |last3=Vitikainen |first3=Orvo |year=1995 |title=Synopsis of the genus ''Peltigera'' (lichenized Ascomycetes) in British Columbia, with a key to the North American species |journal=Canadian Journal of Botany |volume=73 |issue=1 |pages=91–111 |doi=10.1139/b95-012 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/237165429}}</ref>

<ref name="IF: P. cinnamomea 1994">{{cite web |title=Record Details: ''Peltigera cinnamomea'' Goward, in Goffinet & Hastings, The Lichen Genus ''Peltigera'' (Lichenized Ascomycetes) in Alberta, Natural History Occasional Paper No. 21 (Edmonton) 73(1): 17 (1994) |url=https://www.indexfungorum.org/Names/NamesRecord.asp?RecordID=363406 |publisher=[[Index Fungorum]] |access-date=4 May 2024}}</ref>

<ref name="Martínez et al. 2003">{{cite journal |last1=Martínez |first1=Isabel |last2=Burgaz |first2=Ana Rosa |last3=Vitikainen |first3=Orvo |year=2003 |title=Distribution patterns in the genus ''Peltigera'' Willd. |journal=The Lichenologist |volume=35 |issue=4 |pages=301–323 |doi=10.1016/S0024-2829(03)00041-0|bibcode=2003ThLic..35..301M }}</ref>

<ref name="McCune & Geiser 2009">{{cite book |authorlink1=Bruce McCune |last1=McCune |first1=Bruce |last2=Geiser |first2=Linda |title=Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest |year=2009 |publisher=Oregon State University Press |publication-place=Corvallis |isbn=978-0-87071-394-1 |pages=238; 413 |edition=2nd}}</ref>

<ref name="Miadlikowska et al. 2003">{{cite journal |last1=Miadlikowska |first1=Jolanta |last2=Lutzoni |first2=François |last3=Goward |first3=Trevor |last4=Zoller |first4=Stefan |last5=Posada |first5=David |year=2003 |title=New approach to an old problem: Incorporating signal from gap-rich regions of ITS and rDNA large subunit into phylogenetic analyses to resolve the ''Peltigera canina'' species complex |journal=Mycologia |volume=95 |issue=6 |pages=1181–1203 |doi=10.2307/3761919 |jstor=3761919 |pmid=21149020 |url=http://lutzonilab.org/data/2003_07_myco.pdf}}</ref>

<ref name="O'Brien et al. 2013">{{cite journal |last1=O'Brien |first1=Heath E. |last2=Miadlikowska |first2=Jolanta |last3=Lutzoni |first3=Francois |year=2013 |title=Assessing population structure and host specialization in lichenized cyanobacteria |journal=New Phytologist |volume=198 |issue=2 |pages=557–566 |doi=10.1111/nph.12165|pmid=23406441 }}</ref>

<ref name="Spribille et al. 2023">{{cite book |editor-link1=Toby Spribille |editor-last1=Spribille |editor-first1=Toby |editor-first2=Alan M. |editor-last2=Fryday |editor-first3=Celia J. |editor-last3=Hampton-Miller |editor-first4=Teuvo |editor-link4=Teuvo Ahti |editor-last4=Ahti |editor-first5=Karen |editor-last5=Dillman |editor-first6=Göran |editor-last6=Thor |editor-first7=Tor |editor-last7=Tønsberg |editor-first8=Dave |editor-last8=Schirokauer |year=2023 |title=Compendium of the Lichens and Associated Fungi of Alaska |series=Bibliotheca Lichenologica |publisher=J. Cramer |isbn=978-3-443-58093-3 |page=297 |doi=10.1127/bibl_lich/2023/112 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

<ref name="Stachurska-Swakoñ & Spribille 2002">{{cite journal |last1=Stachurska-Swakoñ |first1=Alina |last2=Spribille |first2=Toby |year=2002 |title=Forest communities of the northern whitefish range, rocky mountains, Montana, U.S.A. |journal=Folia Geobotanica |volume=37 |issue=4 |pages=509–540 |jstor=25133943 |doi=10.1007/BF02803259|bibcode=2002FolGe..37..509S }}</ref>

}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q10622568}}

[[Category:Peltigera|cinnamomea]]
[[Category:Lichen species]]
[[Category:Lichens described in 1995]]
[[Category:Lichens of Western Canada]]
[[Category:Lichens of the Northwestern United States]]
[[Category:Lichens of Subarctic America]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Trevor Goward]]