A molecular phylogeny of Graphidaceae (Ascomycota, Lecanoromycetes, Ostropales) including 428 species

Abstract

We present a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the lichen family Graphidaceae (subfamilies Graphidoideae and Fissurinoideae) based on partial sequences of the mtSSU, nuLSU rDNA, and RPB2 loci. The phylogeny includes all currently available sequences in Genbank plus 897 newly generated sequences, from a total of 908 ingroup OTUs representing 428 species. The phylogeny supports the synomymy of Graphidaceae and Thelotremataceae and confirms that rounded and lirellate ascomata evolved multiple times in unrelated clades within the family. The phylogenetic distinctiveness of Fissurinoideae versus Graphidoideae is also supported in our extended taxon sampling. The three-gene phylogeny suggest that in addition to the three tribes previously established for the major clades within subfamily Graphidoideae, several further clades exist that might represent additional tribes. Specifically, the Leptotrema clade is excluded from tribe Ocellularieae and the Carbacanthographis, Heiomasia, Topeliopsis, and Wirthiotrema clades are excluded from tribe Thelotremateae. The phylogenetic position of these clades remains unresolved but they are not supported as belonging to these larger tribes. Based on the results, the current status and problems are discussed for all clades and genera currently accepted within the family.