A Comparative Study of the Diversity of Corticolous Lichens on Cocos nucifera L. (coconut) at Six (6) Line Path Villages in Berbice, Guyana

This study assessed the diversity, abundance, and community composition of lichens on 60 mature coconut palms (Cocos nucifera L.) across six neighboring villages in Corriverton, Berbice, Guyana, during the short-wet season of December 2025-January 2026. Quadrats (50 × 100 cm) were systematically placed on the trunk of each tree, and lichens were identified in situ and via laboratory analyses using morphological characteristics. A total of 5,876 individual lichens were recorded, representing 16 species across 11 families. Foliose and crustose growth forms dominated, with Xanthoria parietina, Chrysothrix candelaris, Flavoparmelia caperta, and Lecanora spp. being the most abundant. Species distribution exhibited moderate spatial heterogeneity, with some taxa (e.g., Graphis palmicola, Dirinaria picta) restricted to specific sites, reflecting possible microhabitat and host-bark influences. Findings highlight the ecological significance of C. nucifera L. as a phorophyte supporting diverse and structurally complex corticolous lichen communities. This initial baseline assessment provides critical insights into host specificity, community assembly, and potential bioindicator applications for the possible use of lichens for monitoring environmental quality in coastal Guyanese ecosystems.