Austral lichenology: 1690-2008

This review summarises lichen work in the temperate Southern Hemisphere. A brief historical overview of austral lichenology is presented from the earliest European voyages of discovery up to the present day. Current knowledge is outlined for Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, southern South America, the Southern Subpolar islands, and Antarctica. Biogeographical patterns, and the importance of lichens in nutrient cycling, habitat restoration, and monitoring of global change, are also discussed from an austral perspective.