Coscinocladium, an overlooked endemic and monotypic Mediterranean lichen genus of Physciaceae, reinstated by molecular phylogenetic analysis

Abstract

The position of the sterile western Mediterranean crustose–placodioid lichen generally known as Lecanora lisbonenesis has been investigated using mitochondrial SSU rDNA sequence data. It proves to belong to an independent genus of Physciaceae, for which the generic name Coscinocladium is available, and the earliest species name is Variolaria gaditana. Previous reports of apothecia in the species prove to be a result of mixtures with other lichen species. A lectotype is selected for L. lisbonensis, a neotype designated for V. gaditana, and the new combination Coscinocladium gaditanum made. The species is described, illustrated, its ecology discussed, and a distribution map provided.