Bunodophoron pinnatum

The thallus of Bunodophoron pinnatum is elongated and narrow, reaching up to 7 cm (2.8 in) in length. Its fertile branches are narrowly flattened to almost cylindrical, ranging from 30 to 50 mm long and 1 to 2 mm wide. The major branches are sparingly branched but typically have numerous, perpendicular, cylindrical branchlets along the sides. The upper surface of the thallus is pale gray to white, with a smooth or rugose texture that may appear slightly wrinkled above the apothecia. The lower surface is white. The ascomata are sparse and terminal, measuring 2 to 4 mm wide. The ascospores are more or less spherical, 6.5 to 7.5 μm in diameter, greyish-brown, and have an irregular ornamentation of mazaedial material. Bunodophoron pinnatum can be distinguished from other species in the genus by its almost cylindrical main branches, unique pinnate branching pattern, and comparatively small, brown ascospores. Additionally, it contains sphaerophorin and protocetraric acid, which are lichen products that are relatively rare in tropical species.

Bunodophoron pinnatum has been found in only three localities in the Northern Province of Papua New Guinea. According to the available data, it grows on the trunks of Dacrycarpus trees in stunted, Dacrycarpus-dominated forests around Mount Kenevi.

== References ==