More information:

Lange, O.L., Green, T.G.A., Melzera, B., Meyera, A. and Zellner, H. 2006. Water relations and CO2 exchange of the terrestrial lichen Teloschistes capensis in the Namib fog desert: measurements during two seasons in the field and under controlled conditions. Flora-Morphology, Distribution, Functional Ecology of Plants, 201(4): 268-280

Description:

Water relations and CO2 exchange of the terrestrial lichen Teloschistes capensis in the Namib fog desert: measurements during two seasons in the field and under controlled conditions.

Summary / Notes:

Although the coastal zone of the Central Namib Desert (Namibia) has negligible rainfall, frequent fog, dew and high air humidity support a luxurious lichen flora. Large areas of soil crust communities are dominated by the multibranched, fruticose Teloschistes capensis interspersed by a (still indeterminable) Ramalina species. In earlier communications, based on field measurements in autumn, we began the analysis of functional mechanisms that allow these lichens to exist under the special conditions of a fog desert. We have extended this work by monitoring lichen CO2 exchange and water relations in spring and by experiments under controlled conditions. Keywords: lichen, fog, dew, photosynthesis, production, Namib Desert.

Year: 2006

Type: Journal Article

URL: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036725300500143X