A new steppe element in the Vienna Basin, the first record of Xanthoparmelia pulvinaris (Parmeliaceae) for Austria

The first observation of Xanthoparmelia pulvinaris in Austria is reported. The soil-dwelling lichen species was found in significant amounts (similar to 1,000 thalli) in the eastern periphery of the Vienna Basin at two locations in the Hainburg Hills. The typical habitats are basic rocky grassland patches on flat or low-slope plateau areas of dolomite hills. The occurrence of the species is significant from a biogeographical point of view, as it supports the assumption that the region belongs to the Pannonicum floristic province.

Automated summary

The first observation of Xanthoparmelia pulvinaris in Austria is reported, where it was found in significant amounts at two locations in the Hainburg Hills. This discovery supports the assumption that the region belongs to the Pannonicum floristic province.