Niebla infundibula

Niebla infundibula is characterized by a large massive rigid thallus divided into sub[terete] branches spreading from a holdfast, to 10 cm high and 15 cm across above the base, and further recognized by containing divaricatic acid and by the large pycnidia. that are prominent on the upper parts of branches, appearing larger than other species in the genus; however, comparative measurements were not provided for all species.). Similar species are Niebla juncosa, which differs in having a more fragile thallus with branches that break off as evident from the thallus falling apart in the herbarium, including breaking apart at the base, and by its less glossy cortex and less conspicuous pyncidia (due to their smaller size), and Niebla eburnea, also with smaller pycnidia (200–350 μm long), but generally recognized by its pastry-like, or ivory-like, cortex. ==Taxonomic history==

Niebla infundibula was first recognized by Richard Spjut, accompanied by Richard Marin and Thomas McCloud, 19 May 1986, just south of Punta Negra on rock outcrops along a ridge that appeared to receive more precipitation from ocean fog than nearby ridges and peaks (Plate 1D in Spjut’s 1996 revision of Niebla and Vermilacinia). The prominence of the pycnidia and their potential role in sexual reproduction has been considered. Specimens later studied in the United States National Herbarium (Smithsonian Institution) and on loan from the University of Colorado and Boulder were also recognized to belong to N. infundibula. However, the species (N. infundibula) appears to be relatively rare based on the relatively few collections reported. one that essentially recognizes only three species in the genus Niebla, defined by a two-layered cortex, isolated chondroid strands in the medulla and by lacking key lichen substances such as the triterpene zeorin and the diterpene (-)-16 α-hydroxykaurane that are found in most species of Vermilacinia. Under the broad species concept, the morphological differences are seen as environmentally induced variation, and the chemical differences as chemo-syndromes; ==References==