Saxicolous Bryophyte and Macrolichen Associations in Southern Illinois. II. Panther's Den, Union County

Abstract

The bryophyte-macrolichen flora of sandstone canyons in southern Illinois [USA] was analyzed. Nineteen species of mosses, 21 spp. of hepatics and 6 macrolichen [Cladonia coniocraea, Cladonia spp., Lepraria membranacea, Leptogium cyanescens and Parmelia dissecta] elements were found within 4 study areas in Panther''s Den, Union County, Illinois. For each of the above, frequency, basal area, relative cover and importance value were calculated. This information, combined with similarity coefficients, indicates a range of microhabitat conditions which create a flora dominated by common southern Illinois species. It also includes some unusual taxa. As in an earlier study differences in aspect and vertical stratification appear to be significant factors affecting species distribution.