Contents: Preface. Acknowledgements. 1. Introduction. 2. Methods. 3. Generic key. 4. Annotated checklist. Bibliography. Index.

Lichens are found on a great variety of substrates which provide relative permanence and surface stability. Lichens are conspicuous pioneers on rocks and frequently initiate stages of succession. As a substrate a rock surface is far more stable than tree bark or soil and the lichen communities have a better chance of developing to maturity over long periods of time. Being difficult to collect and due to inadequate literature the studies on saxicolous lichens have been hampered. So far, no detailed account on saxicolous lichens is available in the form of a checklist from India, In view to have a clear picture of the lichen diversity in India the necessity has been felt to have a list of all saxicolous species recorded from India.

This annotated checklist of the saxicolous lichens comprises of 582 species distributed in 141 genera. The Lichen genera and species are arranged in alphabetic order. Characterization of these species, based on the modern concepts of taxonomy along with the keys for determination of taxa along with the distribution has been presented. (jacket)