New species of the Lepraria neglecta group (Stereocaulaceae, Ascomycota) from Europe

Abstract:

Lepraria granulata Slavíková, a new species from Eastern and Central Europe, is described. According to its morphology, ITS sequence and ecology, it belongs to the L. neglecta core group. Lepraria granulata is characterized by producing atranorin and two, so far unidentified, fatty acids (‘granulata unknown 1 & 2’) and phylogenetic analyses show that it is clearly distinguished from previously known species. Two additional taxa, provisionally named Lepraria sp. G and Lepraria sp. BG, are also discussed. According to their morphology and ITS sequences, they also belong to the L. neglecta group. Lepraria sp. G is sister to L. granulata whereas Lepraria sp. BG is basal and well separated from all taxa so far known in the group. Their taxonomic status is not yet entirely clear.