Temperate Genera Research Articles

Biogeographical Interpretation of Elevational Patterns of Genus Diversity of Seed Plants in Nepal.

This study tests if the biogeographical affinities of genera are relevant for explaining elevational plant diversity patterns in Nepal. We used simultaneous autoregressive (SAR) models to investigate the explanatory power of several predictors in explaining the diversity-elevation relationships shown in genera with different biogeographical affinities. Delta akaike information criterion (ΔAIC) was used for multi-model inferences and selections. Our results showed that both the total and tropical genus diversity peaked below the mid-point of the elevational gradient, whereas that of temperate genera had a nearly symmetrical, unimodal relationship with elevation. The proportion of temperate genera increased markedly with elevation, while that of tropical genera declined. Compared to tropical genera, temperate genera had wider elevational ranges and were observed at higher elevations. Water-related variables, rather than mid-domain effects (MDE), were the most significant predictors of elevational patterns of tropical genus diversity. The temperate genus diversity was influenced by energy availability, but only in quadratic terms of the models. Though climatic factors and mid-domain effects jointly explained most of the variation in the diversity of temperate genera with elevation, the former played stronger roles. Total genus diversity was most strongly influenced by climate and the floristic overlap of tropical and temperate floras, while the influences of mid-domain effects were relatively weak. The influences of water-related and energy-related variables may vary with biogeographical affinities. The elevational patterns may be most closely related to climatic factors, while MDE may somewhat modify the patterns. Caution is needed when investigating the causal factors underlying diversity patterns for large taxonomic groups composed of taxa of different biogeographical affinities. Right-skewed diversity-elevation patterns may be produced by the differential response of taxa with varying biogeographical affinities to climatic factors and MDE.

Towards a comprehensive phylogeny of the large temperate genus Pedicularis (Orobanchaceae), with an emphasis on species from the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains.

BackgroundStriking interspecific variations in floral traits of the large temperate genus Pedicularis have given rise to controversies concerning infra-generic classifications. To date, phylogenetic relationships within the genus have not been well resolved. The main goal of this study is to construct a backbone phylogeny of Pedicularis, with extensive sampling of species from the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains. Phylogenetic analyses included 257 species, representing all 13 informal groups and 104 out of 130 series in the classification system of Tsoong, using sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and three plastid regions (matK, rbcL and trnL-F). Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods were applied in separate and combined analyses of these datasets.ResultsThirteen major clades are resolved with strong support, although the backbone of the tree is poorly resolved. There is little consensus between the phylogenetic tree and Tsoong’s classification of Pedicularis. Only two of the 13 groups (15.4 %), and 19 of the 56 series (33.9 %) with more than one sampled species were found to be strictly monophyletic. Most opposite-/whorled-leaved species fall into a single clade, i.e. clade 1, while alternate leaves species occur in the remaining 12 clades. Excluding the widespread P. verticillata in clade 1, species from Europe and North America fall into clades 6–8.ConclusionsOur results suggest that combinations of morphological and geographic characters associated with strongly supported clades are needed to elucidate a comprehensive global phylogeny of Pedicularis. Alternate leaves are inferred to be plesiomorphic in Pedicularis, with multiple transitions to opposite/whorled phyllotaxy. Alternate-leaved species show high diversity in plant habit and floral forms. In the Himalaya-Hengduan Mountains, geographical barriers may have facilitated diversification of species with long corolla tubes, and the reproductive advantages of beakless galeas in opposite-/whorled-leaved species may boost speciation at high altitude.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12870-015-0547-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Luzula effusa var. chinensis (Juncaceae): the first record for the wood-rush genus in Vietnam

Mount Fansipan, situated in the Hoang Lien Son Range, supports a rich subtropical and temperate flora of over 1700 species, including 25% of Vietnam’s endemic plant taxa (Nguyen & Harder 1996, Sterling et al. 2006). At elevations above 2000 m, Mount Fansipan contains numerous temperate genera including Acer Linnaeus (19 spp., Sapindaceae Jussieu), Alnus Miller (A. nepalensis, Betulaceae Gray), Betula Linnaeus (B. alnoides Buchanan-Hamilton, Betulaceae), Carex Linnaeus (36 spp., Cyperaceae Jussieu), Clematis Linnaeus (9 spp., Ranunculaceae Jussieu), Lithocarpus Blume (13 spp., Fagaceae Dumortier), Quercus Linnaeus (9 spp., Fagaceae), Rhododendron Linnaeus (40 spp., Ericaceae Jussieu), Rubus Linnaeus (36 spp., Rosaceae Jussieu), Tsuga Carrière (T. dumosa Eichler, Pinaceae Sprengel ex F. Rudolphi), Ulmus Linnaeus (U. lancifolia Roxburgh, Ulmaceae Mirbel), Vaccinium Linnaeus (12 spp., Ericaceae), and Viola Linnaeus (12 spp., Violaceae Batsch) (Vietnam Plant Data Center 2015, Nguyen & Harder 1996) with many of these genera being both species-rich and locally common (Nguyen & Harder 1996, pers. obs.). In April 2012, a collection of a specimen, representing the temperate genus Luzula de Candolle (1805: 158), was made while conducting botanical studies on the Carex flora of Mount Fansipan, Lao Cai Province, Vietnam, which is about 30 km south of the border with Yunnan Province, China. While the specimen was immediately recognized as a Luzula, a new genus to the flora of Vietnam (Vietnam Plant Data Center 2015), it was not until our collection was identified using the keys in Wu & Clements (2000) and Kirschner (2002) that it was determined to be Luzula effusa Buchenau (1879: 88) (Figs. 1, 2). A Basic Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) search of an internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1+5.8S+ITS2) sequence obtained from our specimen (KM612280) showed a 100% match with an existing sequence for L. effusa var. chinensis (Brown 1903: 161) Wu (1992: 92) (AY727778.1, see Drábková & Vlcek 2010) in GenBank (National Center for Biotechnology Information 2014), supporting our identification based on morphology (Table 1). Eighteen other Luzula accessions, representing species placed in two different subgenera and four different sections, were found to have 100% coverage and 99% identity with the sequence from our specimen (National Center for Biotechnology Information 2014) (Table 1). In all cases, these sequences came from taxa that occur in regions that are more geographically disparate from Vietnam than the previously known closest location for L. effusa (see below). These taxa are also morphologically dissimilar to our specimen (see text below and Table 1).

Fungal host utilization helps circumscribe leafless Coralroot orchid species: An integrative analysis of Corallorhiza odontorhiza and C. wisteriana

AbstractThe leafless parasitic habit has arisen numerous times in Orchidaceae and characterizes the small temperate genus Corallorhiza. Because of their reduced morphology, parasitic plants have been some of the most difficult to delimit at the species level and to place phylogenetically and thus are a likely place to find cryptic species. In such cases molecular data and the presence of associated species are particularly helpful for circumscribing such taxa. Two long–recognized North American species are the focus of this study, in which the specificity and relationships of the associated fungi are examined. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences of plastid loci rpl32 and trnLF from C. odontorhiza and C. wisteriana and the ITS region from their associated fungi in Thelephoraceae and Russulaceae was undertaken and related to floral morphology, as examined via principal components analysis, and geographic origin of accessions. Corallorhiza wisteriana and C. odontorhiza are distinct based on plastid DNA, although they utilize overlapping sets of fungi. Eastern and western population groups of C. wisteriana are also distinct for plastid DNA and surprisingly utilize different fungal families, Russulaceae and Thelephoraceae, respectively. They are also subtly distinct morphologically. Polymorphism for fungal family utilization was detected in three orchid populations and fungal specificity was shown to be narrower for Russulaceae than for Thelephoraceae. Two cryptic species are distinguished within C. wisteriana based on fungal usage, plastid DNA, morphology and geography. Two host shifts are hypothesized to have occurred within polymorphic populations of C. wisteriana. Fungal specificity is related to trophic strategy and recency of colonization by the orchid.

Rapid Identification of Plant Species and iFlora: Application of DNA Barcoding in a Large Temperate Genus Pedicularis (Orobanchaceae)

Rapid Identification of Plant Species and iFlora: Application of DNA Barcoding in a Large Temperate Genus Pedicularis (Orobanchaceae)

The origin of the early differentiation of Ivies (Hedera L.) and the radiation of the Asian Palmate group (Araliaceae)

The Asian Palmate group is one of the four major clades of the family Araliaceae that is formed by 18 genera, including ivies (Hedera L.). The Mediterranean diversity centre and temperate affinity of ivies contrast with the inferred Asian centre of diversity of the primarily tropical and subtropical Asian Palmate group. We herein investigated the sister-group relationships of Hedera to reconstruct the evolutionary context for its origin and early diversification. Seven nuclear and plastid DNA regions were analyzed in 61 Araliaceae samples including all the 18 Asian Palmate genera. Maximum Parsimony, Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference were run together with a battery of topology testing analyses constraining the expected Hedera’s sister-group relationships. Additionally, Bayesian polytomy resolvability and divergence time analyses were also conducted. Genome incongruence and hard nuclear and plastid basal polytomies are detected for the Asian Palmate group where the lineage of Hedera is placed. Topology testing analyses do not allow rejecting any of the tentative sisters of Hedera. An early radiation with inter-lineage hybridization and genome doubling is suggested for the Asian Palmate group where all the seven temperate genera, including Hedera, seem to have played an important role. The radiation took placed during the Upper Cretaceous in Asia under a general cooling and the eastern Asian mountain uplift that produced new temperate environments and promoted lineage connections. This allows us to hypothesize that the origin of the Hedera lineage may fit in a temperate niche conservatism scenario where the combination of the radiation with lineage admixtures prevents us from discovering its sister-group.

Systematics, biogeography, and character evolution of Sparganium (Typhaceae): Diversification of a widespread, aquatic lineage

Sparganium (Typhaceae) is a genus of aquatic monocots containing ±14 species, with flowers aggregated in unisexual, spherical heads, and habit ranging from floating to emergent. Sparganium presents an opportunity to investigate diversification, character evolution, and biogeographical relationships in a widespread temperate genus of aquatic monocots. We present a fossil-calibrated, molecular phylogeny of Sparganium based on analysis of two chloroplast and two nuclear markers. Within this framework, we examine character evolution in both habit and stigma number and infer the ancestral area and biogeographic history of the genus. • Sequence data from two cpDNA and two nDNA markers were analyzed using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference. We used the program BEAST to simultaneously estimate phylogeny and divergence times, S-DIVA and Lagrange for biogeographical reconstruction, and BayesTraits to examine locule number and habit evolution. • Two major clades were recovered with strong support: one composed of S. erectum and S. eurycarpum; and the other containing all remaining Sparganium. We realigned the subgenera to conform to these clades. Divergence time analysis suggests a Miocene crown origin but Pliocene diversification. Importantly, the floating-leaved habit has arisen multiple times in the genus, from emergent ancestors-contrary to past hypotheses. • Cooling trends during the Tertiary are correlated with the isolation of temperate Eurasian and North American taxa. Vicariance, long-distance dispersal, and habitat specialization are proposed as mechanisms for Sparganium diversification.

A test of four candidate barcoding markers for the identification of geographically widespread Chimaphila species (Pyroleae, Ericaceae)

DNA barcoding has been widely used as a tool for species discrimination in closely related plants and at more coarse taxonomic levels, but there have been few reports of such a tool being applied to taxa in “morphological stasis”. In this study, we test the performance of core barcodes (rbcL and matK) and two additional candidate barcodes [psbA-trnH and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS)] for the widely distributed, northern temperate monophyletic genus Chimaphila, which exhibits morphological conservatism. In addition to ITS, slowly evolving rbcL and matK independently demonstrate a high resolving ability among Chimaphila species, indicative of the old age of disjunction. We tentatively attribute morphological stasis in Chimaphila to convergence under similar habitat conditions and complex, stable relationships with surrounding autotrophic trees via common mycorrhizal symbioses.

Body shape evolution of Chromis and Azurina species (Percifomes, Pomacentridae) of the eastern Pacific

Chromis is a circumglobal tropical and temperate genus with over 84 species of damselfishes. Studies based in osteological and molecular data have cited the relationship between Azurina and Chromis in the eastern Pacific. The main objectives of the study are: (1) to characterize size and shape in all Chromis and Azurina species of the eastern Pacific, (2) explore the phylogenetic signal of external morphology, and (3) present a hypothesis of the diversification process of this group. According to the results, there is no significant relationship between size and shape. The variation in body shape among all species is related to the height of the trunk, position of the snout and eye, and length of the caudal peduncle. The main morphologic variation between Azurina and Chromis is the degree of elongation of the body. Both Azurina species are closely related to C. punctipinnis and C. atrilobata. The morphological pattern of Azurina integrated it into Chromis. The phylogenetic pattern found by geometric morphometric analyses presented a high similarity with previous results based on molecular data. Phylogeny recovered two main clades, slender-bodied and deep-bodied species. This pattern of morphometric variation is closely related to exploitation of two different reef environments.

Floristic Characteristics of the Zonal Vegetation in Guangzhou and the Implications for Urban Greening

Floristic composition of the evergreen broadleaved forest in Maofengshan, Liantang, and Baiyunshan in Guangzhou suburban areas, was analyzed based on community survey data. Field survey indicated that the community was rich in species diversity, with 101 families of vascular plants including 203 genera and 351 species. Dominant families of the flora were Rubiacea, Euphorbiaceae, Lauraceae, Moraceae, Papilionaceae, and Rutaceae, most of which are of tropical and subtropical nature. As for generic distribution, dominant geographical elements were tropical genera (74.38%) and temperate genera (13.79%), the Pan-tropic areal-type had the majority of genera (27.59%), followed by Tropical Asia and Old World Tropics, while typical tropical genera were rare. Floristic composition of the evergreen broadleaved forest community in Guangzhou suburbs and the characteristic family of the flora epitomizes the zonal flora, which will provide scientific foundation for stand rehabilitation and stand establishment approximating the natural forest community. This study also had important significance of urban greening in Guangzhou.

Flora of Wild Seed Plants in Yundingshan Nature Reserve in Shanxi

Yundingshan Nature Reserve is situated in the middle part of the Luliang Mountains,Shanxi province.The wild seed plants of Yundingshan Nature Reserve included 926 species,391 genera and 85 families,of which gymnosperms accounted for 6 species,4 genera and 2 families,and angiosperms accounted for 920 species,387 genera,and 83 families(of which dicotyledons included 756 species,311 genera 72 families and monocotyledons included 164 species,76 genera and 11 families).The floristic characteristics of seed plants were diversified and complicated in composition,and were dominated by temperate elements(including 275 temperate genera,accounting for 82.08% of all the genera).Among the floristic elements of species,the temperate elements absolutely dominated,which included 566 species accoun-ting for 62.61%;the second were the endemics to China with 306 species,which were the constructive and dominant forest and shrub species of Yundingshan Nature Reserve.The results showed that higher homogeneity and closer relationship in the floristic elements and vegetation components between Yundingshan Nature Reserve and Pangquangou Nature Reserve,less similarity with Wutai Mountains,and the least similarity with Zhongtiao Mountains.Moreover,Glycine soja being under the national first class protection,and Aconitum smithii,Rhodiola rosea and Codonopsis pilosula being under provincial protection were also found during this study.

Discovery of the Quedius antipodum Sharp larva from New Zealand: phylogenetic test of larval morphology for Staphylinini at the intratribal level (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)

Quedius antipodum Sharp is an endemic species from New Zealand. Here we describe its larva, the first of the species‐rich group of the south temperate ‘Quedius’ spp. This finding throws light on the controversy between the conventional systematics of Quedius Stephens and newer phylogenetic analyses, both of which are based on non‐larval characters only. We compare the larva of Q. antipodum with those of the north temperate Quedius (Quediina), where it was traditionally placed, and with the known larvae of Amblyopinina, a group where Q. antipodum was placed by recent phylogenetic studies. Sister‐group relationships of Q. antipodum within the tribe Staphylinini are explored based on larvae by means of parsimony analysis: 77 morphological characters scored for 20 species from 17 genera. Consistent with the adult morphology and DNA sequences, larvae‐based cladistic analysis confirms that Q. antipodum should not be placed in the north temperate genus Quedius. However, larval analysis alone remains dubious with respect to finding the exact sister relationships of that species.

A phylogeny of the northern temperate leafy liverwort genus Scapania (Scapaniaceae, Jungermanniales)

Scapania is a northern temperate genus with a few disjunctions in the south. Despite receiving considerable attention, the supraspecific classification of this genus remains unsatisfactorily solved. We use three molecular markers (nrITS, cpDNA trnL-F region, atpB-rbcL spacer) and 175 accessions belonging to 50 species (plus eight outgroup taxa) to estimate the phylogeny and to test current classification systems. Our data support the classification of Scapania into six rather than three subgenera, rearrangements within numerous sections, and inclusion of Macrodiplophyllum microdontum. Scapania species with a plicate perianth form three early diverging lineages; the most speciose subgenus, Scapania s.str., represents a derived clade. Most morphological species concepts are supported by the molecular topologies but classification of sect. Curtae requires further study. Southern lineages are nested in northern hemispheric clades. Palearctic–Nearctic distribution ranges are supported for several species.

Morphological diversity of wild medicinal Paris L. from China and Vietnam

Paris L. (Trilliaceae) is a temperate genus of about 24 perennial herbaceous species distributed from Europe to Eastern Asia. Paris is notable in China for its medicinal value. An investigation was conducted to determine the variations of 27 morphological characters of 196 accessions from 8 populations of medicinal Paris from China and Vietnam. Variations of qualitative and quantitative characters showed high diversity in medicinal Paris . The first four principal components in the principal component analysis explained 59.36% of the total variation among 8 medicinal Paris taxon. The clustering of the accessions based on morphological similarity reflected their geographic origin. Overall, the results would be provided for the conservation and sustainable utilization of this medicine resource. Key words: Morphological characterization, genus Paris resource, wild medicinal plant, conservation.

Phylogenetic Analyses of Clematis (Ranunculaceae) based on Sequences of Nuclear Ribosomal ITS and Three Plastid Regions

Abstract Clematis, a largely temperate genus of vines and lianas, consists of approximately 300 species. Based on a sampling of about 75 species, sequences of the nrITS, the plastid atpB—rbcL spacer, psbA—trnH—trnQ spacer, and rpoB—trnC spacer regions were analyzed using parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference methods. Analyses of the combined data set by the three methods yielded similar topologies. Previously recognized genera including Archiclematis and Naravelia are nested within Clematis, supporting the merging of these genera within Clematis. Ten major clades with various levels of support were detected in the combined analyses. Our results in general do not support previous infrageneric classifications based on morphological characters and suggest significant convergence in floral and vegetative characters in Clematis. Several clades were resolved as regional geographic groups. Bayesian dating suggests a relatively ancient origin of the genus in the Oligocene, yet a relatively recent ...

What are and where are the bioactive terpenoids metabolites from Dictyotaceae (Phaeophyceae)

Dictyotaceae are a rich source of secondary metabolites, especially terpenes. These natural products have been studied for their bioactivity for human and for their ecological role in nature. The present work highlights de diversity of the Dictyotaceae terpenes, emphasizing their bioactivities and the biogeography of their sources. The sesquiterpenes are found in Padina, Dictyopteris and Taonia. Although Dictyopteris and Padina can be found in all oceans, Taonia has a more restricted distribution. Diterpenes of mixed origin have been reported in Lobophora, Taonia and Stypopodium. Stypopodium is a typically tropical and warm temperate genus. Diterpenes with the spatane and seco-spatanes skeletons are known from Spatoglossum, Stoechospermum and Rugulopteryx. Spatoglossum is distributed over all the tropical marine world. Stoechospermum is known to occur in the Indian Ocean and Rugulopteryx is distributed mainly in Asia and on the Pacific Coast of Australia. The genus Dictyota contains diterpenes as the major metabolite and are present in all oceans, reaching even the cold temperate regions of northern and southern hemispheres. The terpenoids from Dictyotaceae exhibit bioactivities such as inhibition of herbivores and antifungal, cytotoxic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, insecticidal and antiviral activities.

Limitations of mitochondrial gene barcoding in Octocorallia

The widespread assumption that COI and other mitochondrial genes will be ineffective DNA barcodes for anthozoan cnidarians has not been well tested for most anthozoans other than scleractinian corals. Here we examine the limitations of mitochondrial gene barcoding in the sub-class Octocorallia, a large, diverse, and ecologically important group of anthozoans. Pairwise genetic distance values (uncorrected p) were compared for three candidate barcoding regions: the Folmer region of COI; a fragment of the octocoral-specific mitochondrial protein-coding gene, msh1; and an extended barcode of msh1 plus COI with a short, adjacent intergenic region (igr1). Intraspecific variation was <0.5%, with most species exhibiting no variation in any of the three gene regions. Interspecific divergence was also low: 18.5% of congeneric morphospecies shared identical COI barcodes, and there was no discernible barcoding gap between intra- and interspecific p values. In a case study to assess regional octocoral biodiversity, COI and msh1 barcodes each identified 70% of morphospecies. In a second case study, a nucleotide character-based analysis correctly identified 70% of species in the temperate genus Alcyonium. Although interspecific genetic distances were 2× greater for msh1 than COI, each marker identified similar numbers of species in the two case studies, and the extended COI + igr1 + msh1 barcode more effectively discriminated sister taxa in Alcyonium. Although far from perfect for species identification, a COI + igr1 + msh1 barcode nonetheless represents a valuable addition to the depauperate set of characters available for octocoral taxonomy.

The taxonomic status of the Tasmanian endemic moss, Scleropodium australe (Brachytheciaceae)

Scleropodium australe is known from a single population in a suburb of Hobart, Tasmania and is the only southern hemisphere representative in an otherwise north temperate genus. It was originally segregated from S. cespitans based on two quantitative characters, median lamina cell width and relative costa length. Molecular data presented here (ITS, rps4, trnG, psbA2) indicate that S. australe is nested within a well supported clade of S. touretii. Morphological measurements also fail to demonstrate any differences between S. australe and S. touretii. Based on the lack of any molecular or morphological differences between these species and the single known station of the latter species at a ruderal site, S. australe is reduced to synonomy with S. touretii, with the interpretation that the Tasmanian population is introduced from Europe.

A molecular phylogeny and a new classification ofPyrola(Pyroleae, Ericaceae)

AbstractThe northern temperate genus Pyrola L. is the largest and arguably the most taxonomically complex element in the tribe Pyroleae (Ericaceae). Here we present a molecular phylogenetic study with extensive sampling comprising 26 ingroup and 7 closely related taxa. The results, based on parsimony and Bayesian analyses of nuclear (ITS) and chloroplast (atpB‐rbcL, trnS‐trnG, trnL‐trnF) DNA sequences, add substantially to our understanding of relationships within this diverse group and call for taxonomic changes. Pyrola is confirmed as a monophyletic group with two redefined sections and six series: P. sect. Pyrola (P. ser. Pyrola, ser. Ellipticae and ser. Rugosae) and P. sect. Scotophylla (P. ser. Japonicae, ser. Scotophyllae and ser. Chloranthae). Members of each respective section and series share similar morphological traits and/or geographical distributions. For the potential hybrids P. media and P. faurieana, the maternal donor was identified by their close affinity to P. minor in the chloroplast trees whereas the paternal donor remained unclear.

Austroparmelina, a new Australasian lineage in parmelioid lichens (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota)

Parmelioid lichens form the largest monophyletic group within the Parmeliaceae, a family distributed worldwide. The genus Parmelina was described by Hale (1976a) accommodating species from both hemispheres. We have employed parsimony, Bayesian and maximum likelihood analyses of a combined data set of nu ITS, LSU and mt SSU rDNA sequences to (1) test the monophyly of Parmelina and (2) to elucidate the generic status and phylogenetic position of the Australasian species. Twenty-one new sequences were generated in this study. Our results provide evidence that Parmelina is polyphyletic and the species fall into two major well-supported groups (Groups I and II). The Australasian species of Parmelina and two species of Canoparmelia (C. pruinata and C. macrospora) form Group I, which is nested within the parmotremoid genera of Parmeliaceae, Parmelina species from the northern hemisphere including those from western North America and the Mediterranean basin form a monophyletic group (Group II), which is sister to the East Asian temperate genus Myelochroa. Morphological and chemical features were reevaluated considering this observed phylogeny. Some morphological features like lobe morphology, several traits in the excipulum and geography are useful in characterizing the monophyletic lineage of the Australasian Parmelina/Canoparmelina species. This lineage is described as the new genus Austroparmelina. Thirteen new combinations in the new genus are proposed.