Lichen Flora Survey at Subhash Park at Maharaja's College
Over 20 Lichen Species Recorded at Subhash Chandra Bose Park by Maharaja's College team
A biodiversity documentation study on lichen flora was conducted at Subhash Chandra Bose Park by the Bhoomithrasena Club and Nature Club of Maharaja’s College in association with the Department of Botany. The programme was carried out with the permission of the Centre for Heritage, Environment and Development (C-HED), the research and development wing of the Kochi Municipal Corporation.
The study was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Stephen Sequeira, Associate Professor of Botany at Maharaja’s College, who is a specialist in lichen taxonomy and ecology. His research scholar, Arun Christy, students and members of the nature clubs actively participated in the field survey and documentation.
During the survey, more than 20 species of lichens were recorded growing on the bark of several tree species in the park. Important lichen genera documented during the study included Pyxine cocoes, Dirinaria, Porina, Graphis, Arthonia, Cryptothecia, Pyrenula, Lepraria, Pertusaria, Sarcographa Diorygma, Candelaria, Felhaneria, etc. These lichens were observed on trees such as Roystonea regia, Bougainvillea, Crescentia cujete, Wodyetia bifurcata (foxtail palm), Saraca asoca, Ficus benjamina, Mimusops elengi, Mangifera indica, Ficus religiosa, Ficus benjamina, Phyllanthus emblica, Bauhinia variegata, Swietenia macrophylla, Terminalia arjuna, Peltophorum, Pongamia glabra, Artocarpus, Polyalthia longifolia, Araucaria, Thuja and Livistona present in the park.
Lichens are widely recognized as sensitive bioindicators of air quality and environmental health. The documentation of more than 20 lichen species in an urban green space such as Subhash Chandra Bose Park highlights the ecological significance of the area and provides valuable baseline data for future environmental monitoring and biodiversity conservation initiatives. This study is only a preliminary survey based on initial observations. The study team stated that more lichen species could be identified from this area if a detailed lichenological study is conducted.
The study team includes faculty members of the Department of Botany—Dr. Mathew Steephan, Jess Mary James, Dr. Shanti Vasudevan, Benoy Thomas, and Dr. Ajith Kumar—as well as students from the Department of Botany and members of the Bhoomithrasena & Nature Club.
Programme Expenditure
| Sl | Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Refreshments | 500 |
| Total | 500 |
Report of the programme Download