Sammendrag
The lichen Staurolemma omphalarioides is found in a restricted area in Norway, on the coast just south of the arctic circle where it grows on trunks of aspen in the cultural landscape. Its restriction does not appear to have ecological causes, and suggests dispersal as the main reason. This is underlined by its European distribution, where this very northern occurrence is the only one north of the Alps, the nearest on the Atlantic coast is found in Portugal. This strongly indicates long-distance dispersal. The Norwegian population has been reported at the verge of extinction as the species was lost or retreating in the few known localities, so a special study was performed to evaluate its status and to define possible measures to secure its existence. Luckily new localities were discovered where it is thriving and appears possible to save if the aspen colonies where it is mainly found, are kept open. It is now known to be present in about ten localities, though sparse in several of them
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