CONTRIBUTION TO THE LICHEN FLORA OF TRANSKEI

Fourteen species of lichens which have been discovered as new to Trans kei, are described. The result of the recent investigations are based on the collections made from nine districts of this region. The physic al selective forces limit the period of acquisition of resources neede d for the growth. Frequent changes in the elements of climate, such as unexpected cold wave, irrespective of the season are contributing fac tors to the relatively small number of species. Lichen flora of Transk ei have been unexplored for a long time. Interesting and new species a re expected from this region. No lichen community is reported as endan gered. Changes in the lichen flora cannot be assessed, as there is no previous comprehensive record of lichens in Transkei.