A reappraisal of Masonhalea (Parmeliaceae, Lecanorales) based on molecular and morphological data

Abstract

Previous studies have identified a close relationship between the monospecific Masonhalea richardsonii and Tuckermannopsis inermis. However, formal taxonomic changes were postponed until existing sequence data could be confirmed. Here we validate these data and discuss the transfer of T. inermis to Masonhalea (made by Lumbsch et al. in Thell & Moberg 2011), consider the morphological, anatomical and biogeographic similarities and differences between these two taxa. The two Masonhalea species both produce lateral apothecia, marginal pycnidia, a layer of cortical tissue beneath the pycnidial wall and bacillariform conidia.

Molecular insights into the lichen genusAlectoria(Parmeliaceae) in North America

“…Parmeliaceae (Crespo et al 2010a,b;Buaruang et al 2015;de Paz et al 2010a,b;Del-Prado et al 2010Divakar et al 2010Divakar et al , 2013Elix et al 2010;Lendemer and Hodkinson 2010;Leavitt et al 2014;Lendemer and Ruiz 2015;Mark et al 2012;Nelson et al 2012;Nelsen et al 2013;Saag et al 2014), and more specifically the related fruticose genus Bryoria (Myllys et al 2014;Velmala et al 2014), Alectoria has not been the direct subject of such a study. Nonetheless, recent molecular studies of Bryoria and Parmeliaceae have included samples of Alectoria and recovered results that strongly suggested further study was needed (Myllys et al 2014;Halonen et al 2009).…”