Rare or overlooked? - Two species of Lyromma (Lyrommataceae, lichenized Ascomycota) are new for Africa

Two species of the foliicolous lichenized genus Lyromma so far known only from the Neotropics are reported for the first time from Africa. Lyromma multisetulatum, described from Bolivia and Brazil, was found recently in Kenya and Tanzania, and L. pilosum in Tanzania. Tanzanian specimens were discovered in lowland rainforest collections from 200 to 500m altitude. The Kenyan collection originates from moist montane forests at c. 2000m elevation. Both species are characterized by both perithecia and pycnidia observed on the same thallus. The distribution and frequency of these taxa are briefly discussed, and compared to other taxa with similar distribution patterns.