New additions to lichenicolous mycota of India

Abstract

The current study documents the presence of twelve lichenicolous fungi from India that were previously unknown from the country. These fungi include Cercidospora solearispora, Endococcus verrucosus, Lichenopeltella leptogii, Lichenostigma dimelaenae, Polycoccum aksoyi, P. evae, P. kerneri, Rosellinula haplospora, Scutula milliaris, Sphaerellothecium parmotrematis and Stigmidium ramalinae. Moreover, this research reveals that Cladophialophora parmeliae has expanded its distributional range in India. These newly documented lichenicolous fungi provide valuable insights into the biodiversity and ecological dynamics of the Indian lichen flora, throwing light on previously unexplored aspects of fungal diversity in the region.

Keywords

• fungi
• Himalaya
• lichens
• new records
• range extension
• Western Ghats