Kirika, Paul M.Divakar, Pradeep K.Crespo, AnaMugambi, GeorgeOrock, Elizabeth A.Leavitt, Steven D.Gatheri, Grace W.Lumbsch, H. Thorsten2017-03-172017-03-172016Kirika 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.14.89711314-4057file:///C:/Users/Digitization/Downloads/MC_article_8971.pdfhttp://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/15429Research ArticleA 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.enAfricaGenealogical criteriaMolecular systematicsNew speciesParmeliaceaeParmelinellaParmelioid lichensPhylogenyTaxonomyArticle