The lichen genus Ramalina is well represented on the Azores islands, an isolated archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean. Fieldwork on several islands, loans from several herbaria, and the collecting of fresh samples, allowed us to identify lichen substances by TLC and to estimate the phylogenetic placement of taxa using ITS sequences from many samples. This confirmed the presence of 13 species, including R. portuensis as new to the Azores and new to Greece. Evidently the Ramalina biota of the Azores is considerably different from that of the Canary Islands and Madeira, by the lower number of species and by their affinities. A commented survey of all reported species, both accepted and rejected, is provided, and an identification key is added.
The new species Malmidea aptrootiana is described from the Dominican Republic. It forms part of the M. granifera complex in having a verrucose thallus (medulla whitish, K+ yellow) and apothecia with a dark hypothecium and with an excipulum containing a medullary layer. Within this complex, the new taxon stands out by its comparatively large ascospores (19–27 × 10–12 μm). Only three species in this complex have larger ascospores: M. indica and M. subindica (28–40 × 12–24 μm), both described from India, and M. sorsogona (22–34 × 11–16 μm), described from the Philippines. The latter overlaps in ascospore size with the new species, but features a yellowish medulla in the verrucae and further differs in the 4-spored asci and apothecia with brownish black disc and thick, mostly entire margins (disc purplish dark brown with the margins becoming thin and crenulate in the new species). Three other species in which the ascospores can reach lengths over 20 μm are M. chrysostigma, M. fenicis, and M. verrucosa, all from the eastern Paleotropics. The first two differ in the yellow, K+ red(-violet) medulla of the verrucae, whereas M. verrucosa features 4-spored asci and apothecia with a blackish brown disc and entire, dark margins. In order to facilitate the distinction of these and other species in this group, we provide an updated world key with illustrated diagnostic features for the species of the M. granifera complex. While elaborating the key, we came across Megalospora simplex Vězda, a foliicolous lichen described from Tanzania, which turned out to belong in Malmidea, so we also propose the new combination Malmidea simplex here.
A preliminary study of the Parmotrema species with alectoronic acid revealed a list of 63 such species worldwide. Two of these are newly described here, Parmotrema columnatum, with inflated apothecial stipes, and Parmotrema marginhiatum, with abundant lobules, both from Brazil. A checklist with the main literature for each species and a working key are presented together with some illustrations of types or fresh collections, mainly from Brazil.
Graphidaceae is one of the largest families of lichenized fungi, with over 2,300 species in 80 genera known and about 3,600 species predicted. The Eastern Paleotropics constitute one of the hotspots of Graphidaceae diversity, including many potentially unknown species awaiting discovery. The Malaysian state of Sabah in NE-Borneo is home to some of the oldest continuously forested areas in SE-Asia, but only a few recent studies sampled Graphidaceae, particularly in the remaining pockets of lowland Dipterocarp forests. As part of two larger field trips in 2012 and 2013, hundreds of specimens of mostly epiphytic Graphidaceae were collected. The identification of 115 collections thus far has resulted in 52 species, all of which represent new records for this region, including eight species new to science in eight different genera (Allographa, Astrochapsa, Byssotrema, Diorygma, Melanotrema, Ocellularia, Platythecium, Sarcographa), as well as new records for the Eastern Paleotropics, Malaysia, and Borneo. Most of the new species were found in old growth forests, and very few in selectively logged forests, highlighting the importance of effective conservation by strict protection of the remnants of unlogged stands for the highly threatened lowland Dipterocarp forests in SE-Asia.
The Ramalina pollinaria group is comprised of three species in Poland: R. arsenii, R. europaea and R. pollinaria. Their presence in the country is confirmed by sequencing the nuITS rDNA barcode marker. Ramalina arsenii is reported from Poland for the first time and this is the first corticolous record of this species. All species are characterized and compared morphologically.
A new species from Papua New Guinea, collected during a lichenological expedition in 1992, is described as Eugeniella sorediata, new to science. Beside taxonomy, notes on chemistry and ecology are given.
The epiphytic lichen Alyxoria varia is often interpreted as an extremely variable species or as a complex of multiple species that is not yet well understood. Alyxoria lichenoides is sometimes recognized as a separate species, and recently Alyxoria viridipruinosa was newly described. However, it is still poorly known which characteristics are useful to distinguish these species from A. varia. Here, we studied and measured morphological characteristics of 83 specimens of A. varia s.l., mainly from the Netherlands, but with some additional specimens from other European countries. We measured the dimensions of the lirellae, ascospores and conidia. We found that Alyxoria lichenoides, A. varia and A. viridipruinosa can be reliably separated by differences in the size of their conidia. There are also differences in the size of the lirellae, size of the pycnidia and ascospores, but due to overlap not all specimens can be identified based on those characteristics alone. Alyxoria lichenoides and A. viridipruinosa are very variable species with respect to the abundance of pycnidia, size and shape of the lirellae, thallus color and pruina presence. Some morphotypes can, however, still be identified with certainty in the field. Alyxoria lichenoides is currently one of the most common epiphytic lichens in the Netherlands, especially in coastal areas. It occurs in woodlands, parks and on roadside trees. Alyxoria viridipruinosa occurs in similar habitats, but is somewhat scarcer, and due to its smaller size and generally inconspicuous thallus easily overlooked. Alyxoria varia is rare in the Netherlands and occurs in drier habitats. It prefers woodlands and parks and is not bound to coastal areas. We recommend that lichenologists in Europe distinguish Alyxoria varia, A. viridipruinosa and A. lichenoides as three separate species. Future studies that include molecular data could reveal whether even more species are involved.
The new species Gymnographopsis aptrootiana is described from tree bark in rain forests of Costa Rica and Guyana. It is placed in Gymnographopsis based on the combination of a partially ecorticate thallus, lirellate ascomata with partly exposed disc, and small, non-amyloid (I–), septate ascospores. Overall, it is most similar to G. koreaiensis, but differs in the 1-septate ascospores and the formation of disc-shaped schizidia, as well as its unusual chemistry with three unidentified compounds. We provide a modern overview of the genus Gymnographopsis, a key to the five currently accepted species, and a discussion of its position in Graphidaceae s.lat. We dedicate this work to our long-standing colleague, friend, and collaborator in the TICOLICHEN project, André Aptroot, for his invaluable contributions to tropical lichenology, on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
Two species, Bacidina caerulea and B. flavoleprosa, are reported from Poland. DNA sequencing was performed on all Polish specimens of both species. The nuITS rDNA sequence of B. caerulea showed 100% similarity to the OP256853 sequence, with no differences in nucleotide substitutions between them. In the case of B. flavoleprosa, Polish specimens exhibit a high degree of morphological and anatomical similarity to the protologue of B. flavoleprosa, however, the number of nucleotide substitutions in nuITS rDNA sequences referred to as this species shows considerable variation. However, since the morphology of the Polish specimens agree with that of B. flavoleprosa, and the number of available sequences is limited, we refrain from describing a new species.
We present a molecular phylogenetic and taxonomic revision of the genus Fissurina (Graphidales) in Hawaiʻi. Compared to eight previously reported species, we distinguish a total of 26 species. Only four of the previously reported species are tentatively confirmed, namely F. columbina, F. globulifica, F. stromatoides, and F. zahlbruckneriana. An additional four species are new records for the archipelago, including F. consentanea, F. crassilabra, F. deficiens, and F. hyalinella. The following 18 species are described as new to science: F. alani sp. nov., differing from F. chrysocarpoides in the larger ascospores; F. biliana sp. nov., differing from F. hyalinella in the longer ascospores; F. brevicarpa sp. nov., differing from F. hyalinella in the short, broad, somewhat gall-forming lirellae; F. fissa sp. nov., differing from F. tachygrapha in the thicker thallus, the weak apical carbonization of the labia, and the relatively narrower ascospores; F. fuscella sp. nov., differing from F. tectigera in the apically carbonized labia and the shorter ascospores becoming brown when mature; F. fuscispora sp. nov., differing from F. dumastii and similar species in the ascospores becoming brown, and from F. fujisanensis in the non-carbonized labia; F. graphidoides sp. nov., differing from F. gomphospora in the dark labia contrasting with the lighter thallus, and from F. decipiens in the more distinct, dark grey labia lacking a black line along the slit; F. implicatoides sp. nov., differing from F. capsulata in the thin, largely endoperidermal thallus and in the shorter, broader ascospores; F. kokeensis sp. nov., differing from F. hyalinella in the presence of distinct (albeit thin) labia and in the weakly amyloid ascospores; F. mauiensis sp. nov., differing from F. fissa in the slightly smaller ascospores; F. montiformis sp. nov., differing from F. alligatorensis in the minutely gall-forming lirellae with concealed disc and the somewhat narrower ascospores; F. nigriannulata sp. nov., differing from F. hyalinella in the irregular black rim bordering the gaping disc of the lirellae; F. papillosa sp. nov., differing from F. insidiosa in the even thallus with numerous, tiny papillae; F. sandwicensis sp. nov., differing from F. fissa in the larger, muriform ascospores; F. serpentina sp. nov., differing from F. insidiosa in the very long, radiating lirellae; F. subcoarctata sp. nov., differing from F. coarctata in the more robust, less crowded lirellae; F. subcrassilabra sp. nov., differing from F. crassilabra in the less emergent lirellae with concealed disc and in the only weakly amyloid ascospore; and F. subtimidula sp. nov., differing from F. fissa in the much larger ascospores and from F. sandwicensis in the 3-septate ascospores. Based on our study, the number of species of Fissurina now known from Hawaiʻi has more than tripled and potential endemism has increased from zero to 78%. A key to all species now reported for Hawaiʻi is presented. This study is dedicated to our esteemed colleague and friend, André Aptroot, on the occasion of his 65th birthday, for his numerous contributions to the taxonomy of tropical crustose lichens.
This study aims to clarify the phylogenetic delimitation of Ocellularia upretii, a recently described, acid-deficient counterpart of Ocellularia allosporoides, which contains the unusual substances norisonotatic and norsubnotatic acid. We obtained new data on the mitochondrial small subunit and the nuclear large subunit rDNA, as well as rpb2, from several specimens collected in the Western Ghats of India. In addition to the newly generated molecular data, we provide an updated assessment of the taxa currently distinguished in this complex, including morphology, ascospores, chemistry, and distribution. This paper is dedicated to our esteemed colleague, André Aptroot, on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
This paper deals with the results of long-term lichen monitoring in the Netherlands. We review the results related to ammonia (NH3) air pollution over the period 1989–2022. NIW (nitrophyte abundance) and AIW (acidophyte abundance) were used as parameters to unite lichens with positive and negative responses to ammonia, respectively. Spatial patterns and temporal changes at large numbers of sampling sites with Oaks (Quercus robur) are compared and discussed. A steady decrease of acidophyte abundance (AIW) since 1989 is apparent, and continues up to now. The way in which AIW behaves strongly suggests that de-acidification of tree bark is the main cause of decline. This process is likely to be cumulative, i.e., proceeds as long as ammonia pollution continues. Recovery of bark acidity and acidophytic epiphytes is unlikely under current conditions. Loss of acidophytes is considered to be an important warning signal for habitat degradation. Changes in nitrophyte abundance (NIW) are not just the opposite of the AIW. Until 1998, there was a marked increase in nitrophyte abundance. After reaching its maximum in 1999, the NIW decreased again by 25–30%, probably as a result of measures to control the ammonia emissions. Nitrophytes had initially (< 1999) increased fast due to the rapid de-acidification of tree bark. Many sites, at least in areas with high cattle densities, were fully de-acidified over the last 25 years. Measurements show that de-acidification eventually stops at a pH of about 6 or 6.5. Nitrophytes can be dominant at such sites, but can also disappear again, leaving a community with mainly crustose species typical for neutral bark. This is probably caused by a decrease in available nitrogen. Recent (since 2000) temporal changes of nitrophyte abundance (NIW) are likely reflecting changes in the load of ammonia.
Parmotrema enteroxanthum is a restricted distribution foliose lichen, easily recognized by its yellow medulla and salazinic acid content. Previously known only from Venezuela, Colombia, and Bolivia, its distribution in South America remains poorly understood. This study documents the first record of the species in Brazil, with notes on ecology and conservation. Field collections were conducted from Cerrado areas in the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. Morphological and chemical analyses were performed using microscopy, spot tests, and thin-layer chromatography. Distribution data were compiled from GBIF, and conservation status was preliminarily assessed using GeoCat, based on IUCN criteria. Parmotrema enteroxanthum was recorded in cerradão vegetation, extending its range into Brazil and the Cerrado domain (Brazilian Savanna). The species occurs in seasonally dry and rainforest habitats (open/ exposed microhabitats) in South America. Geospatial analysis indicated a wide Extent of Occurrence (~3.6 million km2), but a very restricted Area of Occupancy (16 km2), suggesting a fragmented distribution. According to IUCN criteria, the species may be considered potentially Endangered (EN) due to its low number of localities and ongoing habitat loss. This finding underscores the Cerrado as both a center of lichen diversity and a highly threatened biome.
The genus Sticta has recently undergone significant taxonomic revisions in Europe, yet central regions such as Switzerland were not included in those revisions. To assess the diversity of the species complex Sticta fuliginosa in Switzerland, we used an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and genetic analyses. We sampled both the well-known localities, as well as newly discovered localities along the Doubs River. Our results showed that S. fuliginosa is presently absent from Switzerland. Instead, we confirmed the presence of S. fuliginoides, and reported the first occurrence of S. arenosella, a species previously known only from North and South America. Morphological, phylogenetic, and haplotype network analyses confirmed that the Swiss specimen identified as S. arenosella is morphologically and genetically indistinguishable from its holotype. Additionally, we also documented the presence of apothecia on S. fuliginoides for the first time. This expands the known phenotypic variation in this species and allows for a more complete taxonomic description. Finally, we provide a taxonomic key for the Central European species of Sticta to facilitate future research and monitoring.
Palm trees are critical substrates for a diverse array of microfungi, with new species frequently described from these hosts. However, systematic surveys of palm-associated microfungi remain limited, particularly in tropical South America. In a study of microfungi colonizing decomposing rachises and leaflets of Acrocomia intumescens and Attalea oleifera, two novel species, Dictyocheirospora acrocomiae (Dictyosporiaceae) and Melanographium sinuosum, are proposed based on distinct morphological characteristics. Additionally, two rarely reported species, Cheiromyceopsis echinulata and Phragmospathula brachyspathulata, are documented and illustrated. These findings enhance our understanding of the biodiversity and ecological significance of palm-associated microfungi in tropical ecosystems.
While surveying saprotrophic microfungi on Syagrus coronata (Arecaceae), an endemic palm in Brazil, an unusual fungus was identified occurring on the dead leaves of this plant. Morphologically, it showed the key traits of Yunnanomyces, including semi-macronematous conidiophores, integrated conidiogenous cells and globose to sub-globose, ellipsoidal or irregularly shaped muriform conidia. Phylogenetic analyses using ITS, LSU, SSU, and rpb2 locus sequences confirmed its placement as a unique lineage among described species of Yunnanomyces, leading us to introduce it as Yunnanomyces syagri sp. nov.
In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity within Usnea flavocardia, a widespread species found in all continents except Antarctica. The species is characterized by a shrubby thallus growth form, the presence of soralia, a yellow central axis and/or the presence of red dots on the cortex. Using ITS rDNA and two protein-coding genes (mcm7 and rpb1) in a multispecies coalescent (MSC) approach, we showed that U. flavocardia comprises five different lineages, four of which can be considered as putative new species. Each of the five lineages, except one, is characterized by specific chemical compounds. Within the outgroup that was used in this study, we furthermore showed that U. gaudichaudii and U. eulychniae, both endemic to Chile, constitute a new major clade in the subgenus Usnea s.str.
The bryophilous genus Bryocentria comprises nineteen species of mostly hepaticolous parasites exhibiting a range of distinctive ascospore features and host-parasite interactions. While Bryocentria has been relatively well studied in Europe, with several common and well-known species, new taxa continue to be encountered and most species lack molecular data. Here, we describe a new, muscicolous species of Bryocentria and provide molecular barcoding data for most European species. Bryocentria insolens sp. nov. parasitizes the mosses Lewinskya affinis and L. speciosa, with records from Switzerland and Belgium. The new species deviates from most congenerics by parasitising mosses rather than liverworts, and its ascospores lack the medial, cyanophilous band-like structures typical of most species in the genus. New molecular data from the LSU locus from Bryocentria insolens, B. hypothallina, B. metzgeriae and B. cyanodesma are combined with recent data from B. brongniartii and B. confusa in a preliminary phylogenetic analysis of the genus. These data support the hypothesis that the sequenced species form a natural group. Furthermore, they suggest that the distinctive transverse band-like structures in the medial regions of the ascospores of most Bryocentria species is a trait that arose after the acquisition of a bryophilous lifestyle by a likely necrotrophic hypocrealean ancestor. Finally, a key to the European members of the genus is provided to aid with identification.
