Lecidea phaeophysata: a new saxicolous lichen species from western and southern Europe with a key to saxicolous lecideoid lichens present on Atlantic coasts

Abstract

The new lichen species Lecidea phaeophysata is described from rocks close to the coast in Italy, Portugal, France and Ireland. Distinguishing features include Porpidia-type asci and simple paraphyses that are fuscous brown pigmented in their upper section. Its systematic position is discussed but is unclear as molecular data are lacking (all collections are c. 20 years old). Therefore, we chose to describe the species in a broadly-circumscribed Lecidea rather than erecting a new monotypic genus. A key to saxicolous lecideoid lichens present on Atlantic coasts in Europe is also provided.