Vahliella, a new lichen genus

• Published in: The Lichenologist (London) Vol. 40; no. 3; pp. 221 - 225
• Main Author: Joergensen, Per M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge, UK Cambridge University Press 01.05.2008
• Subjects: Fuscopannaria subgen. Micropannaria; key to species; Morphology; new genus and combinations; phytogeography; Taxonomy; California; Azores; United States > US; India; key to species; Fuscopannaria subgen. Micropannaria; phytogeography; new genus and combinations
• ISSN: 0024-2829; 1096-1135
• DOI: 10.1017/S0024282908007780

The new genus Vahliella is recognized as a genus since molecular studies have shown that the subgenus Micropannaria of Fuscopannaria differs so much from this genus that it cannot even be placed in the Pannariaceae. While its family position remains unclear, it is certainly best established as a genus, as it is recognizable also on morphological and chemical characters. Unlike the mainly warm-temperate genus Fuscopannaria, it is restricted to cold-temperate regions. Presently it is known to contain eight species, a key to which is given. The following new combinations are introduced: Vahliella adnata (P. M. Jørg. & Upreti), Vahliella atlantica (P. M. Jørg. & P. W. James), Vahliella californica (Tuck.), Vahliella globuligera (Fryday & P. M. Jørg.), Vahliella hookerioides (P. M. Jørg.), Vahliella labrata (P. M. Jørg.), Vahliella leucophaea (Vahl), Vahliella saubinetii (Mont.).