SATREE PHUKET SCHOOL - INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM CAMBRIDGE
A.Y. 2023 - 2024
The Outdoor Science Club “Sciencing” under the open sky.
SPK Lichen discovery by Waratchaya Poonthong (Year-13)
Diversity of Lichens at Satree Phuket School Satree Phuket School was established in 1909 under the guidance of Phraya Rasadanupraditimahisornphakdee, the former governor of Phuket, with a primary mission to provide education to young women in the local community. Satree Phuket School adheres to the principles of Sufficiency Economy and is resolutely committed to preparing its students for meaningful roles within the community. Over time, the school has experienced significant growth in student enrollment and the expansion of educational programs, which now include GP, SMIT, IP, and IPC. Satree Phuket School is more than just a center of academic excellence; it's also a thriving hub of curiosity. This academic year 2023-2024, the SPK-IPC's The Outdoor Science Club delved into an exploration of lichen diversity on campus. Lichens, which represent symbiotic organisms comprising mycobionts (fungi) and photobionts (algae and/or Cyanobacteria), were meticulously identified and documented by club members. Each student successfully identified a specific lichen species. This newsletter highlights the lichens uncovered by the club, revealing the diverse lichen world thriving in the school’s environment. 1
SPK Lichen discovery by Sean Sutjarittanarak (Year-12)
SPK Lichen discovery by Andrea Warnnisorn (Year-12)
THE OUTDOOR SCIENCE CLUB
A.Y. 2023 - 2024
School Newsletter
Study Site
The lichen specimens were collected from trees within the confines of Satree Phuket School butterfly garden. The school is situated at 1 Damrong Road, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Thailand. It sits at an Tap orsea click to add a subtitle elevation of around 10 meters above level, with geographic coordinates at longitude 98.3905131 and latitude 7.8912155. During collection, the barometric reading was 101 kPa, and humidity was recorded at 81.7%.
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THE OUTDOOR SCIENCE CLUB
A.Y. 2023 - 2024
Lichen Identification Steps The following set of steps were followed to identify the lichens found in Satree Phuket School (SPK). Step 1. Initially, the lichen identification process begins with the careful extraction of thin sections of lichen thallus, the lichen’s vegetative body, from their substrates. Step 2. Each lichen specimen underwent a thorough examination using a dissecting microscope, with a particular emphasis on their morphological attributes. This examination included looking at features such as cilia and rhizines. Furthermore, the lichens were categorized as crustose, foliose or fruticose, based on their growth form and structural characteristics. Step 3. Spot tests such as the K test and C test were conducted to observe and record chemical reactions. In the K test, sodium hydroxide was used, while the C test involved the use of calcium hypochlorite. UV light, with 254 and 365 nm wavelengths, was also used to examine the fluorescence of the samples. Step 4. A compound microscope was used to meticulously collect and examine the spores from each lichen specimen. Step 5. Using taxonomic keys, each lichen was identified. To ensure the highest level of accuracy, the samples collected were sent to Ramkhamhaeng University Lichen Research Unit for confirmation of the identification of each lichen species by experts in the field. Additionally, thin layer chromatography (TLC) was also carried out. This verification process enhances the credibility and reliability of the identification.
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THE OUTDOOR SCIENCE CLUB
A.Y. 2023 - 2024
Pyxine cocoes (Sw.) Nyl. Thallus: foliose, corticolous, greenish-gray; solaria marginal (major) and laminal Ascomata: apothecia, black, round, sessile, epruinose, thalline exciple, 0.3-0.7 mm diameter, epithecium K+ purple Hymenium: clear without oil drop; hypothecium red brown Ascospores: 2-celled, brown, 15-17 x 6-8 um, 8 per ascus Conidia: not observed Chemistry: thallus K-, UV+ golden yellow TLC: lichexanthone and triterpenes Habitat: on Parkia bark in Satree Phuket School Distribution: widely distributed in the pantropical region Identi ed by: Waratchaya Poonthong Reference: Mongkolsuk, P., Meesim, S., Poengsungnoen, V., & Kalb, K. (2012). The lichen family Physciaceae in ThailandI. The genus Pyxine. Phytotaxa, 59, 32-54.
Lichens serve as reliable pollution indicators due to their ability to provide precise, longterm environmental data (Singh et al, 2019). The presence of contaminants in the environment affects the chemical makeup of lichens. Among various lichen types, foliose varieties like Pyxine demonstrate higher metal accumulation, followed by crustose and squamulose forms (Paliwal et al.). This presents an opportunity for club members to explore investigation of metal concentrations in Pyxine lichens found at Satree Phuket School in the future.
Reference: Gupta, V., Gupta, N., Nayaka, S., Lavania, S., & Srivastava, P. K. (2023). Pyxine cocoes (Sw.) Nyl. as an ideal lichen species for biomonitoring studies: A systematic review.
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THE OUTDOOR SCIENCE CLUB
A.Y. 2023 - 2024
Pyxine cocoes (Sw.) Nyl.
Taxonomy Kingdom: Fungi Phylum: Ascomycota Class: Lecanoromycetes Order: Caliciales Family: Caliciaceae Genus: Pyxine Species: P. cocoes
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THE OUTDOOR SCIENCE CLUB
A.Y. 2023 - 2024
Graphis dendrogramma Nyl. Thallus: crustose, corticolous, greenish-pale yellow, smooth to uneven Ascomata: apothecia, elongated to radiately branched, with lateral thalline margin, immersed to erumpent, 1-4 mm long, 0.15-0.25 mm broad. Hymenium: clear without oil drop Ascospores: 7-9-septate, hyaline, 20-35×6-8 um, 8 per ascus
Conidia: not observed Chemistry: thallus K+ yellow, UVTLC: stictic and constictic acids Habitat: on Plumeria bark in Satree Phuket School Distribution: widely distributed in the pantropical region Identi ed by: Sean Sutjarittanarak Reference: Lücking, R., Chaves, J. L., Sipman, H. J., Umaña, L., & Aptroot, A. (2008). A rst assessment of the Ticolichen Biodiversity Inventory in Costa Rica: the genus Graphis, with notes on the genus Hemithecium (Ascomycota: Ostropales: Graphidaceae).Fieldiana Botany (46), 1-126.
The Graphis genus, a crustose lichen group within the tropical Graphidacea family, thrives in warm, moist tropical climates, such as Thailand's. Surprisingly, even with these favorable conditions, only 14 Graphina and Graphis species have been identi ed in Thailand (Vainio, 1907, 1909, 1921; Zahlbruckner, 1924; Wang-Yang & Lai, 1973). Considering this information, exploring the variety and distribution of Graphis lichens around Satree Phuket School might be an exciting research opportunity for the club in the upcoming academic year. Reference: Nakanishi, M., Kashiwadani, H., & Moon, K. H. (2001). Notes on the genera Graphina and Graphis (Graphidaceae) in Thailand. Bulletin of the National Science Museum (Tokyo), Series B (Botany), 27, 47-55.
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THE OUTDOOR SCIENCE CLUB
A.Y. 2023 - 2024
Graphis dendrogramma Nyl.
Taxonomy Kingdom: Fungi Phylum: Ascomycota Class: Lecanoromycetes Order: Graphidales Family: Graphidaceae Genus: Graphis Species: G. dendrogramma
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THE OUTDOOR SCIENCE CLUB
A.Y. 2023 - 2024
Marcelaria benguelensis (Mull. Arg.) Aptroot, Nelsen & Parnmen Thallus: crustose, corticolous, corticate, yellow & black spotted pruinose,crust with white-yellow cartilaginous medulla Ascomata: perithecia, sessile, covered with yellow-orange pigment, 0.5-0.8 mm diam. Hamathecium: strongly inspersed with oil drop Ascospores: muriform, hyaline, 45-75x15-20 um,8 per ascus Conidia: bacilliform, 3-4 × 1 um Chemistry: thallus K+ purple-red where yellow-orange pigment is present, UV+ yellow-orange TLC: anthraquinones and lichexanthone Habitat: on Parkia bark in Satree Phuket School Distribution: Thailand, India, Cambodia and Myanmar Identi ed by: Andrea Warnnisorn Reference: Aptroot, A., & Lücking, R. (2016). A revisionary synopsis of the Trypetheliaceae (Ascomycota: Trypetheliales). The Lichenologist, 48(6), 763-982
The Marcelaria genus was recently de ned by Aproot et.al. (2013), positioned as a sister group to the Trypethelium genus due to their vibrant pseudostromata and muriform astrospores. Marcelaria is characterized by large ascomata covered by yellow to orange or red warts. Presently, the genus comprises three species: M. purpurina, M. benguelensis, and M. cumingii. Exploring the molecular methods of studying lichens could be a next step for the club's research in the upcoming academic year, offering deeper insights into these organisms.
Reference: Niranjan, M., & Sarma, V. V. (2018). New records of lichenized fungi in the family Trypetheliaceae from Andaman Islands, India. Current Research in Environmental and Applied Mycology, 8(4), 438-445.
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THE OUTDOOR SCIENCE CLUB
A.Y. 2023 - 2024
Marcelaria benguelensis (Mull. Arg.) Aptroot, Nelsen & Parnmen
Taxonomy Kingdom: Fungi Phylum: Ascomycota Class: Dothideomycetes Order: Trypetheliales Family: Trypetheliaceae Genus: Marcelaria Species: M. benguelensis
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THE OUTDOOR SCIENCE CLUB
A.Y. 2023 - 2024
On the Horizon The discovery of Pyxine cocoes, Graphis dendrogramma, and Marcelaria benguelensis within Satree Phuket School environment reveals the diverse life thriving within the school grounds. These discoveries serve as reminders of the signi cance of preserving the school's natural surroundings. Echoing Dr. Jane Goodall's words, "Only if we understand, will we care. Only if we care, will we help. Only if we help shall all be saved." Inspired by these ndings, The Outdoor Science Club plans to conduct a detailed survey to document these lichens across various habitats on campus. This concerted effort aims to showcase the diversity of lichens at Satree Phuket School and gain insights into their ecological preferences. Moreover, this project showcases the club’s dedication to scienti c inquiry beyond the classroom and promoting environmental conservation through raising awareness. Re ecting the wisdom of Rachel Carson's words, "The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction."
References: National Geographic. (n.d.). Becoming Jane: The Evolution of Dr. Jane Goodall. National Geographic Society. Rachel Carson Council. (n.d.). What did Rachel Carson say about regenerative agriculture? Rachel Carson Council.
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THE OUTDOOR SCIENCE CLUB
A.Y. 2023 - 2024
IPC Coastal Cleanup ‘23 Phuket, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea," is known for its breathtaking sandy beaches and clear waters (Ministry of Tourism and Sports, 2012). However, similar to many places globally, Phuket faces significant challenges affecting its ocean life. Problems like ocean acidification and widespread plastic pollution pose serious threats to marine habitats, leading to the presence of microplastics in the marine food chain (Cole et al, 2013). Satree Phuket School - International Program Cambridge (IPC) is dedicated to addressing these issues through annual community service initiatives. This academic year, all IPC students and teachers came together for a coastal cleanup on one of the island's beaches, conducted on November 30th, 2023. Collaboratively, they collected more than 20 bags of marine litter, debris, and trash. This joint effort emphasizes our commitment to safeguarding Phuket's coastal regions and ensuring a healthy marine environment for the future. The IPC community aims to continue such meaningful work and encourages everyone to join hands in nurturing and protecting our invaluable natural surroundings.
THE OUTDOOR SCIENCE CLUB Y13 - Waratchaya Poonthong Y12 - Sean Sutjarittanarak Y12 - Andrea Warnnison Adviser: Jeffrey Ephreim V. Villegas
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Our heartfelt thanks to: Tiffany Newton for her thorough review, particularly focusing on the grammar of our newsletter. D r . W e t c h a s a r t Po l y i a m a n d D r . V a s u n Poengsungnoen of Ramkhamhaeng University Lichen Research Unit for their expertise and assistance in con rming the identi cation of the specimens.
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