A new species of Porpidia (Lecideales, Ascomycota) from Pakistan

Porpidia kashmirensis sp. nov. is described from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. ITS and nrLSU sequences confirm its position within the genus Porpidia and, together with its morphology and chemistry, suggest that it is separate from other species of this genus. The species is characterized by a well-developed, pale grey thallus, up to 2.5 mm thick with areoles, containing confluentic acid, immersed apothecia, ascospores relatively small, 13-16 x 6.3-9.9 mu m, paraphyses with relatively wider cap cells, upto 4.5 mu m wide; differing from related species.

Automated summary

A new species of Porpidia has been discovered in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Its morphology, chemistry, and molecular sequences distinguish it from other species within the genus.