Article

The role of Trees Outside Forest (TOF) in preserving biodiversity is highlighted through the study of their associated epiphytic lichen flora. Thirty TOF units located throughout the Italian region Molise have been surveyed. 170 trees of 17 different species have been examined. A total of 111 lichen taxa has been recorded. Among these, six taxa are new to the lichen flora of Molise (Agonimia opuntiella, Arthonia excipienda, Arthopyrenia analepta, Lecanora albella, Mycomicrothelia confusa and Scytinium subtile). One species is considered vulnerable, eight near threatened in Italy and 23 taxa are non-poleotolerant species usually growing on old trees in ancient, undisturbed forests. These findings suggest that TOF can provide surrogate habitat conditions for lichens usually occurring in natural environments.