The lichen genus Thalloidima (Ramalinaceae, Ascomycota) is reported as new to China, with specimens primarily collected from the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Through an integrative approach combining morphological, chemical, and molecular phylogenetic analyses of nrDNA ITS sequences, three species new to science are described: T. lobulatum Yu X. Gan & Xin Y. Wang, T. qinghaiense Yu X. Gan & Xin Y. Wang, and T. triseptatum Yu X. Gan & Xin Y. Wang. Additionally, T. sedifolium and T. squamatum are recorded in China for the first time. These discoveries bring the total number of recognised species within Thalloidima to 21. Critical diagnostic characters, including ascospore septation, thallus pruina development, and substrate specificity, are detailed and illustrated. A comprehensive taxonomic key to all currently known species of the genus is also provided.

The new species Krogia australasiatica Timdal is described from tree trunks in humid forests/rainforests in Australia (Queensland) and New Caledonia, partly based on a phylogenetic reconstruction using the ITS marker. The new species shares the secondary chemistry with the neotropical K. antillarum Timdal, i.e. 4-O-methylcryptochlorophaeic acid, and the vegetative dispersal units, i.e. isidia, with the New Caledonian K. isidiata Kistenich & Timdal and K. macrophylla Kistenich & Timdal. The trivial name hyperboninic acid is introduced for a secondary compound occurring in K. coralloides Timdal and K. macrophylla. The genus Krogia Timdal is new to Australia and new localities are given for K. isidiata and K. macrophylla in New Caledonia.

Cladonia norvegica was originally described from Norway based on different morphological and chemical characters distinguishing the species from C. coniocraea. Shortly after its description, material containing red spots on the thallus was reported from different parts of the world, but the taxonomic status of this form remained unclear. In this study, we investigated the morphological, chemical and genetic differences between the spotless form of C. norvegica and the red-spotted material. Phylogenetic analyses of mycobiont DNA (ITS rDNA, mtSSU, EF-1 alpha) revealed that red-spotted specimens form a well-supported monophyletic clade, distinct from the spotless form of C. norvegica. We therefore describe red-spotted material as a new species, C. rubrotincta, with the type from Norway and we genetically and morphologically confirm occurrences from Austria, Czechia, Estonia, Great Britain and western Canada. The identity of the red pigment was confirmed to be a rhodocladonic acid by HPLC and LC-HRMS. Specimens with red spots exhibit consistently smaller and more irregularly shaped podetia. Additionally, our analysis of photobionts indicated that both species share a similar pool of Asterochloris symbionts. This study underscores the importance of integrating molecular, chemical, and morphological data in lichen taxonomy and provides insights into the distribution and ecological preferences of C. rubrotincta and C. norvegica.

The Rhizocarpaceae , a family of lichenized fungi within the Ascomycota , comprises approximately 160 species within five genera: Catolechia , Epilichen , Haugania , Poeltinula , and Rhizocarpon . Rhizocarpon is the most species-rich, with about 150 species predominantly inhabiting siliceous rock in boreal and arctic-alpine environments. Molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed that current taxonomy, heavily reliant on morphology, chemistry, and life strategies, renders Rhizocarpon paraphyletic. This study aims to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and clarify genus delimitation within the Rhizocarpaceae using an integrative taxonomic approach that combines three genetic markers and a diversity of taxa covering the morphological, chemical, and ecological spectrum of the family. Our comprehensive sampling includes 50 species across the Rhizocarpaceae collected from diverse geographical locations and ecological settings. Our phylogenetic hypothesis is based on a concatenated dataset of two nuclear (ITS and MCM7) and one mitochondrial (mtSSU) genetic marker. Ascospore characteristics and thallus pigmentation alongside secondary metabolite profiles were mapped onto this DNA-based evolutionary framework. Our results underscore significant refinements in the classification of the Rhizocarpaceae , highlighting the inadequacy of traditional taxonomic markers alone to infer robust phylogenetic affiliations. We advocate for new circumscriptions of Catolechia , Poeltinula , and Rhizocarpon based on the molecular phylogeny and propose synonymizing Epilichen with Catolechia , the transfer of the species in the R. hochstetteri complex to Poeltinula , and the resurrection of Rehmia . We hence propose 24 new combinations and three typifications. Collectively, this study sets the groundwork for future research and stability in the systematics of the Rhizocarpaceae , augmenting our understanding of their diversity and evolutionary dynamics.

Rehmia furfurosa (formerly Rhizocarpon furfurosum) was historically classified within the genus Rhizocarpon and placed in the brown subgenus Phaeothallus because of the absence of rhizocarpic acid in the thallus. This rare species is found only in Europe and predominantly grows on metal-rich substrates. This species often occurs in a sterile form, making its identification difficult. Here, we report the first records of R. furfurosa in Poland, accompanied by nuITS rDNA sequences of the species from both Norwegian and Polish specimens. In Polish specimens, we observed greater variation in the septation and size of ascospores compared to the protologue, as we found truly muriform ascospores, which are larger than previously reported. In addition, because of the lack of nomenclatural type of Rhizocarpon obscuratum f. granulosum (a synonym of Rehmia furfurosa), a lectotype is here designed. Additionally, by integrating GBIF records with explanatory raster data on heavy metals in European topsoils, we present a species distribution map generated using maximum entropy modelling (MaxEnt). The most significant heavy metal predictors of R. furfurosa were lead, iron, cadmium, zinc, silicon, and aluminum. The final model identified regions with the highest habitat suitability, mainly in mountainous areas, and highlighted potential new locations where the species may occur.

Herein, we describe Psora mediterranea, found in the Mediterranean region of Europe. Previously misidentified as Psora pseudorussellii based on morphology, P. mediterranea has a distinct molecular lineage and geographic distribution. This new species is phylogenetically the sister to a species that we henceforth epitypify as Psora himalayana, from the Himalayas. These sister Psora taxa are distinct due to morphology, current known geographic range, and preferred habitat. We provide two updated keys to the Psora species in Europe, including a key with morphologically similar species that may be confused with Psora in this region and a simplified “hand lens” key. To assist with ongoing DNA barcoding of lichens, we publish the first barcode ITS sequences from Psora gresinonis (an isotype) and the first sequences of P. pseudorussellii from North America. We also include sequences from understudied taxa, including Glyphopeltis, Romjularia, and Protomicarea. Further, we suggest updates to the circumscription of the Psoraceae by suggesting a new family for Glyphopeltis, Glyphopeltidaceae, and supporting the placement of Protomicarea in the Pilocarpaceae.

Molecular phylogenetics has revolutionized the taxonomy of crustose lichens and revealed an extensive amount of cryptic diversity. Resolving the relationships between genera in the crustose lichen family Tephromelataceae has proven difficult and the taxon limits within the genus Calvitimela are only partly understood. In this study, we tested the monophyly of Calvitimela and investigated phylogenetic relationships at different taxonomic levels using an integrative taxonomic approach. We performed a global sampling of all species currently assigned to Calvitimela and conducted additional sampling of C. melaleuca sensu lato across Norway. We included 108 specimens and produced more than 300 sequences from five different loci (ITS, LSU, MCM7, mtSSU, TEF1-α). We inferred phylogenetic relationships and estimated divergence times in Calvitimela. Moreover, we analyzed chemical and morphological characters to test their diagnostic values in the genus. Our molecular phylogenetic results show evolutionarily old and deeply divergent lineages in Calvitimela. The morphological characters are overlapping between divergent subgenera within this genus. Chemical characters, however, are largely informative at the level of subgenera, but are often homoplastic at the species level. The subgenus Calvitimela is found to include four distinct genetic lineages. Detailed morphological examinations of C. melaleuca s. lat. reveal differences between taxa previously assumed to be morphologically cryptic. Furthermore, young evolutionary ages and signs of gene tree discordance indicate a recent divergence and possibly incomplete lineage sorting in the subgenus Calvitimela. Phylogenetic analysis and morphological observations revealed that C. austrochilensis and C. uniseptata are extraneous to Calvitimela (Tephromelataceae). We also found molecular evidence supporting C. septentrionalis being sister to C. cuprea. In the subgenus Severidea, one new grouping is recovered as a highly supported sister to C. aglaea. Lastly, two fertile specimens were found to be phylogenetically nested within the sorediate species C. cuprea. We discuss the need for an updated classification of Calvitimela and the evolution of cryptic species. Through generic circumscription and species delimitation we propose a practical taxonomy of Calvitimela.

Sequencing of environmental DNA is increasingly used to estimate biodiversity at various taxonomic and spatial levels. However, most such studies tend to deal with abstract numbers not linked to species names, which hampers evaluation and downstream use of the results. In our survey of epiphytic lichens in the Czech Republic, we managed to link sequences from environmental DNA with species names, using an existing reference database of DNA barcodes. On 1-ha sites in various types of central-European forests, we were able to compare DNA data from environmental samples with (i) results of a parallel taxonomic survey and (ii) species abundance data on a country-wide scale. In the environmental DNA data, we detected a large number of species strongly under-recorded in taxonomic surveys and in previous distributional data from the Czech Republic. Most of these species are either very small or poorly known microlichens notoriously overlooked by taxonomists. Some are rare species with specific ecological requirements, but many are relatively abundant. Numerous species apparently new to science were detected, of which 12 species and two genera are newly described and Xylopsora diffissa. In the descriptions, eDNA data are, for the first time in lichenology, utilized for characterizing ecology and distribution of the new species. In addition, 43 species detected by eDNA are new to the Czech Republic (23 of them confirmed by the parallel taxonomic survey). Absconditella amabilis and Chaenotheca nitidula are new to Europe.

The Biatora vernalis - and meiocarpa -groups comprise species with pale beige to reddish brown apothecia and 0-, rarely also 1(–3)-septate ascospores. A DNA barcoding approach based on ITS sequences shows that these two groups comprise more species and phylogenetic diversity than previously known. Specimens identified as B. vernalis , the type species of the genus, appear to be paraphyletic with regard to B. chrysantha . In addition, there is a morphologically similar species belonging to the B. meiocarpa -group and tentatively named “ B. orientalis ” in previous publications. Biatora subduplex has for some time been known to comprise specimens from the B. vernalis -, as well as the B. meiocarpa -group. Similar to the situation in B. vernalis , samples from the meiocarpa -clade form several subclades close to B. meiocarpa . Anatomical studies reveal subtle, but recognizable morphological differences between B. subduplex s.str. and the species in the meiocarpa -clade, but not between the subclades. Here, we describe Biatora orientalis as new to science, raise B. meiocarpa var. tacomensis to species rank and provide revised identification keys for the B. vernali s- and B. meiocarpa -groups.

The type species of Squamarina has two varieties, S. gypsacea var. gypsacea and S. gypsacea var. subcetrarioides. In this study, a phylogenetic and taxonomic analysis of these two varieties shows that S. var. subcetrarioides merits treatment as a species separate from S. gypsacea. Therefore, we raise this variety to species level as S. subcetrarioides (Zahlbr.) Y. Y. Zhang. Squamarina subcetrarioides is phylogenetically not closely related to S. gypsacea and differs from that species in the thallus forming rosettes when young, later becoming cracked and irregular in outline, and consisting of numerous small squamules.

The fungal mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU) ribosomal DNA is one of the most commonly used loci for phylogenetic analysis of lichen-forming fungi, but their primer specificity to mycobionts has not been evaluated. The current study aimed to design mycobiont-specific mtSSU primers and highlights their utility with an example from the saxicolous lichen-forming fungal genus Melanelia Essl. in Iceland. The study found a 12.5% success rate (3 out of 24 specimens with good-quality mycobiont mtSSU sequences) using universal primers (i.e. mrSSU1 and mrSSU3R), not including off-target amplification of environmental fungi, e.g. Cladophialophora carrionii and Lichenothelia convexa. New mycobiont-specific primers (mt-SSU-581-5’ and mt-SSU-1345-3’) were designed by targeting mycobiont-specific nucleotide sites in comparison with environmental fungal sequences, and assessed for mycobiont primer specificity using in silico PCR. The new mycobiont-specific mtSSU primers had a success rate of 91.7% (22 out of 24 specimens with good-quality mycobiont mtSSU sequences) on the studied Melanelia specimens. Additional testing confirmed the specificity and yielded amplicons from 79 specimens of other Parmeliaceae mycobiont lineages. This study highlights the effectiveness of designing mycobiont-specific primers for studies on lichen identification, barcoding and phylogenetics.

The new combination Thalloidima squamatum is proposed for a morphologically and phylogenetically distinct species, until now included within the variation of T. sedifolium. Compared to T. sedifolium, the species is characterized by its larger squamules and apothecia, shorter ascospores, the pale color of the excipulum, and its habitat growing on moss cushions over calcareous rock or directly on rock rather than on soil. Most of the material studied originates from Norway and Sweden, but specimens are also reported from Austria, Croatia, Germany, Greenland, Italy, Poland, Russia, Scotland and Switzerland.

The Arctic has been, and is, an area of focus for the botanical and fungal (lichenized fungi included) collections at the Natural History Museum of Oslo. These collections house more than 233,000 unique Arctic specimens, the oldest dating back more than two centuries. The vascular plants account for 63 percent, lichens 30 percent, and fungi 7 percent. The Arctic collections have a circumpolar representation with emphasis on mainland Norway (48 percent) and Svalbard (13 percent), followed by Arctic America (10 percent), Greenland (9 percent), and Arctic Russia (8 percent). The Oslo herbarium and fungarium house collections from important polar expeditions like Fram-2, Gjøa, and Maud, but also of many expeditions where collecting biological specimens was the main purpose. The number of new collections was highest in the decades 1930 to 1939 and 2000 to 2009 with each around 35,000 new specimens. In the 1990s, a DNA Bank was established for DNA extracts and tissue samples, and it houses today 22,879 Arctic accessions of fungi, lichens, and plants. In times of climatic change and a tense geopolitical situation, the herbarium and fungarium at NHM-Oslo represent an invaluable source for biological information about the Arctic. We welcome the use of our collections for research-, nature management-, and teaching purposes.

The new lichen species Rhizocarpon ozsoyae is described from James Ross Island, located in the north-eastern Antarctic Peninsula region. The nrITS and mtSSU gene regions of the new species are studied and the phylogenetic position of the species is in the Rhizocarpon geographicum group. It differs from the other species of the group by having mostly 1-septate and smaller ascospores, and from nearly all of them by containing norstictic acid.

Rhizoplaca ouimetensis is described new to science, growing on outcrops of diabase sills in the Lake Superior region of Ontario, Canada. It is the first known sorediate species of the genus, and a phylogenetic reconstruction based on the ITS and mtSSU markers place it in the R. chrysoleuca group. Morphologically, however, it resembles sorediate, yellow-green species of Lecanora with usnic acid, e.g., L. handelii and L. soralifera, but differs from those in forming larger, often pulvinate or minutely peltate areoles with a well-developed upper cortex and a medulla densely filled with calcium oxalate crystals.

Lecanoraceae is one of the largest families of the Lecanoromycetes, with about 30 accepted genera, many of which, however, have uncertain status and/or circumscriptions. We assess the phylogenetic position of the genus Bryonora and its segregate Bryodina for the first time, using a six-locus phylogeny comprising the Lecanoraceae as well as closely related families. We find strong support for the placement of Bryonora in the Lecanoraceae, whereas there is no support for treating Bryodina as a genus separate from Bryonora. Hence, we reduce Bryodina to synonymy with Bryonora. Further, we describe Bryonora microlepis as new to science and transfer Lecanora castaneoides to Bryonora and L. vicaria to Miriquidica. A world key to Bryonora is included.

In this contribution, new data concerning bryophytes, fungi and lichens of the Italian flora are presented. It includes new records and confirmations for the bryophyte genera Bryum, Cryphaea, Didymodon, and Grimmia; the fungal genera Bryostigma, Cercidospora, Conocybe, Cortinarius, Endococcus, Inocybe, Psathyrella, and Sphaerellothecium; the lichen genera Agonimia, Anisomeridium, Bilimbia, Diplotomma, Gyalecta, Huneckia, Lecidella, Lempholemma, Myriolecis, Nephroma, Pannaria, Pycnothelia, Pyrrhospora, Rinodina, Stereocaulon, Thalloidima, Trapelia, Usnea, Variospora, and Verrucaria.

First records of Xanthophyceae for the Vologda and Sverdlovsk regions, and Moscow, Characeae for the Vologda, Orenburg, Tver regions and the Crimea Peninsula, diatoms for the Orenburg Region, aphyllophoroid fungi for the Novgorod and Tyumen regions, agaricoid fungi for the Novosibirsk and Vologda regions, and for the Republic of Altai, lichens for the Arkhangelsk and Murmansk regions, Altai Territory, the Republic of Buryatia and Primorye Territory, mosses for the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, the Republic of Buryatia, Novaya Zemlya Archipelago and the Kuril Islands, liverwort for the Kurgan Region are presented. The data on their localities, habitats, distribution are provided. The specimens are kept in the herbaria of the Altai State University (ALTB), of the Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IBIW), of the Institute of Problems of Industrial Ecology of the North KSC RAS (INEP), of the Polar-alpine botanical garden-institute KSC RAS (KPABG), of the Komarov Botanical Institute RAS (LE), of the Mire Research Group of the Papanin Institute for Biology of Inland Waters RAS (MIRE), the Central Siberian botanical garden SB RAS (NSK), of the Natural History Museum in Oslo, Norway (O), of the Petrozavodsk State University (PZV), of the Museum of the Institute of Plant and Animal Ecology (SVER), of the Tobolsk complex scientific station of the UB RAS (TOB), of the Institute of General and Experimental Biology SB RAS (UUH) and algological collection in the laboratory of the Algology Group of the Institute for Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis of the UB RAS.