Phylogenetic studies uncover a predominantly African lineage in a widely distributed lichen-forming fungal species
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Date
2016
Authors
Kirika, Paul M.
Divakar, Pradeep K.
Crespo, Ana
Mugambi, George
Orock, Elizabeth A.
Leavitt, Steven D.
Gatheri, Grace W.
Lumbsch, H. Thorsten
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Pensoft Publishers
Abstract
A number of lichen-forming fungal species are widely distributed. Here, we investigate biogeographic
patterns in a widely distributed isidiate taxon – Parmelinella wallichiana – using molecular sequence data.
Our results revealed that Parmelinella wallichina, as currently circumscribed, is not monophyletic but falls
into four clades, two of them represented by a sample only. A third clade, occurring in Africa and southern
India is described as a new species, Parmelinella schimperiana Kirika & Divakar, sp. nov. Our study adds
a further example of previously overlooked, geographically distinct, lineages that were discovered using
molecular data.
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Africa, Genealogical criteria, Molecular systematics, New species, Parmeliaceae, Parmelinella, Parmelioid lichens, Phylogeny, Taxonomy
Citation
Kirika PM, Divakar PK, Crespo A, Mugambi G, Orock EA, Leavitt SD, Gatheri GW, Lumbsch HT (2016) Phylogenetic studies uncover a predominantly African lineage in a widely distributed lichen-forming fungal species. MycoKeys 14: 1–16. doi: 10.3897/mycokeys.14.8971