Abstract

Ethnolichenological Notes on Lichens of Sikandra Dhar Region of North-West Himalaya

Author(s): Monika Thakur and Hem Chander

Presence of a wide range of secondary metabolites in lichen thallus is variously utilized as medicine, food, fodder, dye and spices. During the lichen floristic studies undertaken during January to September in2018, three hundred specimens of lichens were collected from Sikandra dhar region of district Mandi (Himachal Pradesh). These specimens were then investigated morpho-chemo-taxonomically and identified. Out of these, seven species of lichens viz. Aspiciliacalcarea(L.) Körb., Cladonia coniocraea(Flörke) Spreng., DermatocarponvellereumZschacke, Lecanora chlaroteraNyl., Parmotrema austrosinense(Zahlbr.) Hale, Parmotrematinctorum(Despr. ex Nyl.) Hale and Punctelia borreri(Turner) Krog are of ethnolichenological importance. Aspicilia calcareais a source of nutrition for mites, snails and caterpillars. Cladonia coniocraea is a good source of carbohydrates and mixed with flour. Dermato-carpon vellereum has antimicrobial properties against human pathogens viz.Staphylococcus aureus, S. faecalis andPseudomonas aeruginosa. Parmotrema tinctorum has a good food value as it contains high protein content (14%) along with amino acids, ergosterol, iron and calcium. It is also a source of brown dye for textile. Parmotrema austro-sinenseis antimicrobial and has antioxidant and anti-phytopathogenic effect. Punctelia borreriis medicinal and used to cure blurred vision, bleeding from uterus, bleeding from external injuries, sores, swelling, chronic dermatitis and localized swelling.

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