Caloplaca nigra

Caloplaca nigra is a species of saxicolous (rock-dwelling), crustose lichen in the family Teloschistaceae. Found on rocks predominantly in the Galápagos Islands, it is characterised by its dark reproductive structures.

Taxonomy
The species Caloplaca nigra was formally described and catalogued by lichenologists Frank Bungartz and Ulrik Søchting. The species epithet nigra derives from the Latin for "black", alluding to the colour of its apothecial. The type specimen is from the Galápagos Islands, specifically from San Cristóbal Island's hills south of Punta Pit at the island's northeast coast.

Description
The lichen has a brownish-olive, distinctly thallus. These, in some instances, appear as though outlined by a whitish border, especially around their periphery. The, ranging from sparse to abundant, are more or less (more of less immersed in the thallus) at the onset. Their margins are hard to distinguish from the thallus, later becoming more and. Apothecial are flat to slightly convex and black. Microscopic examinations of Caloplaca nigra reveal a brownish-olive and a hymenium that is clear and free from any. Asci are broadly and resemble the Teloschistes-type. The, numbering eight per ascus, are and range from ellipsoid to broadly ellipsoid, measuring approximately 10.0–11.3 by 5.8–7.8 μm.

Chemical spot tests conducted on the thallus and apothecia have shown consistent non-reactivity. Secondary metabolites have not been identified in the species.

The Galápagos also has another species, C. floridana, which shares the trait of black apothecia with Caloplaca nigra. However, C. floridana is corticolous, growing on tree bark, and displays distinct thallus characteristics and chemical reactions that differentiate it from Caloplaca nigra. Although DNA extraction for Caloplaca nigra proved challenging, its unique attributes underscore its classification as a separate species.

Habitat and distribution
Endemic to the Galápagos Islands, Caloplaca nigra has been observed growing on rocks in environments ranging from sun-drenched coastal regions to the lower transition zones. These habitats are typically exposed to significant sunlight, wind, and rainfall.