Parmelioid lichens are a diverse and ubiquitous group of foliose lichens. Generic delimitation in parmelioid lichens has been in a state of flux since the late 1960s with the segregation of the large, heterogeneous genus Parmelia into numerous smaller genera. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies have demonstrated that some of these new genera were monophyletic, some were not, and others, previously believed to be unrelated, fell within single monophyletic groups, indicating the need for a revision of the generic delimitations. This study aims to give an overview of current knowledge of the major clades of all parmelioid lichens. For this, we assembled a dataset of 762 specimens, including 31 of 33 currently accepted parmelioid genera (and 63 of 84 accepted genera of Parmeliaceae). We performed maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses of combined datasets including two, three and four loci. Based on these phylogenies and the correlation of morphological and chemical characters that characterize monophyletic groups, we accept 27 genera within nine main clades. We re‐circumscribe several genera and reduce Parmelaria to synonymy with Parmotrema. Emodomelanelia Divakar & A. Crespo is described as a new genus (type: E. masonii). Nipponoparmelia (Kurok.) K.H. Moon, Y. Ohmura & Kashiw. ex A. Crespo & al. is elevated to generic rank and 15 new combinations are proposed (in the genera Flavoparmelia, Parmotrema, Myelochroa, Melanelixia and Nipponoparmelia). A short discussion of the accepted genera is provided and remaining challenges and areas requiring additional taxon sampling are identified.

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SummaryWe studied the evolutionary history of the Parmeliaceae (Lecanoromycetes, Ascomycota), one of the largest families of lichen-forming fungi with complex and variable morphologies, also including several lichenicolous fungi. We assembled a six-locus data set including nuclear, mitochondrial and low-copy proteincoding genes from 293 operational taxonomic units (OTUs).The lichenicolous lifestyle originated independently three times in lichenized ancestors within Parmeliaceae, and a new generic name is introduced for one of these fungi. In all cases, the independent origins occurred c. 24 million yr ago. Further, we show that the Paleocene, Eocene and Oligocene were key periods when diversification of major lineages within Parmeliaceae occurred, with subsequent radiations occurring primarily during the Oligocene and Miocene.Our phylogenetic hypothesis supports the independent origin of lichenicolous fungi associated with climatic shifts at the Oligocene-Miocene boundary. Moreover, diversification bursts at different times may be crucial factors driving the diversification of Parmeliaceae. Additionally, our study provides novel insight into evolutionary relationships in this large and diverse family of lichen-forming ascomycetes.

International audienceViscum album L. or European mistletoe (Loranthaceae), a semi-parasitic shrub, has been used as a traditional medicine in Europe for centuries to treat various diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorder, epilepsy, infertility, hypertension and arthritis. V. album contains diverse phytochemicals, which exert a large number of biological and pharmacological activities. The aim of this review is to compile the developments in the domain of V. album and research trends, with a focus on ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacological properties, to illustrate the potential of this phytotherapeutic as an attractive commercial herbal medicine. Crude extracts and isolated chemical constituents from V. album have exhibited significant medicinal effects in experimental models and in patients with cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Importantly, recent randomized clinical trials have suggested improved overall survival and quality of life in cancer patients treated with different mistletoe preparations. The current phytochemical studies have shown that lectins, hetero-dimeric glycoproteins, polysaccharides, viscotoxins, alkaloids, lipids, triterpenes, peptides, vesicles, flavonoids, cyclitols and amines are principal bioactive phytochemicals of V. album. Clinical studies and experimental models have revealed that V. album exhibits several pharmacological functions such as immunomodulatory, anti-hypertensive, anti-oxidant, cytotoxicity, anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, anti-diabetic, anti-microbial and sedative activities. It is conceivable that the heterogenous profile of biochemical compounds provides the basis for the broad diversity of pharmacological activities of mistletoe, as each single component contributes diverse modes of action in addition to imparting a synergistic beneficial action in conjunction with other molecules