Seaside centipede lichen (Heterodermia sitchensis) COSEWIC assessment and status report: chapter 8

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Special Significance of the Species

Heterodermia sitchensis is a Pacific Northwest endemic of unusually restricted distribution (see Figure 2) and ecology (see above). It is the most northerly member of a group of Heterodermia species more characteristic of tropical to warm temperate latitudes. Of special interest are the apothecia which, presumably once the primary reproductive organ in this species, no longer produce viable spores. Instead, the apothecial rim has evolved into highly specialized urn-shaped structures dedicated to the production of soredia, that is, powdery offshoots effective in asexual reproduction.

With the exception of a single locality in Oregon, H. sitchensis appears to be restricted to Canada. Its long-term welfare should therefore be thought of as a predominantly Canadian responsibility.