DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF LICHENS ON MORTAR AND CONCRETE IN BUENOS AIRES PROVINCE, ARGENTINA

Abstract

Lichens can affect buildings and monuments inducing a negative aesthetical impact as well as causing deterioration through mechanical and chemical processes. Given that cement mortars and concrete are the primary 20th century building materials worldwide, it is important to study lichens growing on this substrate. In a survey of different localities of Buenos Aires Province, 33 species growing on mortars and concrete were collected and identified utilizing morphological and chemical studies. Results showed that Staurothele frustulenta is a new record for Argentina, and Acarospora subcastanea is a new record for Buenos Aires Province. A high number of foliose lichens (15 species) were registered. Some species were previously only known on tree barks, but in this study they were encountered colonizing cement materials as well.