A new species of the lichen genus Phaeophyscia (Physciaceae)

Abstract

Based on morphological, anatomical, chemical and molecular systematic methods, a taxonomic study was carried out on the lichen genus Phaeophyscia collected from Mount Tai. One species, P. taishanensis is reported as new to science. It is characterized by the following characters: white or hyaline cortical hairs sparsely on the upper surface of the marginal peripheral zones of the lobes; white medulla; black lower surface with sometimes white or pale brown ends; sparse cortical hairs occasionally on upper portion of thalline margin; and ascospores brown, Physcia-type, sized (18.0-20.5) μm × (9.0-10.0) μm. Based on phenotypical characteristics, the similarities and differences between the new species and similar species were discussed. the maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed with ITS sequence, and the sequence analysis was carried out. A detailed morphological description and pictures of the characteristics of this new species are provided. The discovery of this new species has accumulated basic data for the study of Physciaceae biodiversity.

Keywords

• lichenized fungi
• caliciales
• physciaceae
• phylogeny
• taxonomy