Abstract
We describe here a new species, Lecideaaptrootii, in Lecidea sensu stricto from Swat Valley, Pakistan. It is most similar to L.fuscoatra in having an areolate thallus and black, lecideine apothecia with a persistent margin. However, L.aptrootii can be readily distinguished by having smaller ascospores (average length 8-10 µm). In phylogenetic analyses, using ITS and nuLSU rDNA sequences, L.aptrootii forms a sister-group relationship to L.grisella, which differs in having a rimose thallus.
Highlights
In phylogenetic analyses, using internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and nuclear large subunit (nuLSU) rDNA sequences, L. aptrootii forms a sistergroup relationship to L. grisella, which differs in having a rimose thallus
Pakistan is a country with a broad altitudinal range from sea level at the Arabian Sea to the second highest point of the world (K-2) at 8,611 m (Khan 1991)
Swat is the focal point of the Hindu Kush Himalayan region of Pakistan and its lichen flora is currently being studied by the first author (MK)
Summary
Pakistan is a country with a broad altitudinal range from sea level at the Arabian Sea to the second highest point of the world (K-2) at 8,611 m (Khan 1991). In phylogenetic analyses, using ITS and nuLSU rDNA sequences, L. aptrootii forms a sistergroup relationship to L. grisella, which differs in having a rimose thallus. The species circumscription in Lecidea needs revision and molecular data are helpful in interpreting subtle morphological differences that have been considered as intraspecific variability (Schmull et al 2011).
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