Lepraria achariana

Like other members of the genus Lepraria, this lichen forms a powdery, crust-like growth (the thallus) that never develops fruiting bodies (apothecia). The thallus has a diffuse (undefined) edge and lacks lobes. While it does not have a true inner layer (medulla), it typically has a well-developed loose, cottony base layer (hypothallus) that is white or shows patches of orange colouration. The reproductive structures consist of abundant fine powder-like granules (soredia) up to 45 μm in diameter. These soredia typically cluster together into larger groups (consoredia) up to 75–150 μm across. The species contains lecanoric acid and roccellic/angardianic acids. It may also contain from two to four unidentified anthraquinone compounds. When tested with common lichen chemical spot tests, it is K− or shows a purple reaction on its underside, C+ (carmine red), KC+ (red), and Pd−.

Lepraria achariana grows on humus, mosses growing on soil (terricolous mosses), and rocks. It has been found in open areas of high Andean Puna grassland vegetation and upper montane cloud forest. The species is only known to occur in Bolivia.

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