A distinctive new species of Biatora (Ramalinaceae, Lecanorales) described from native European forests

A unique crustose lichen species was recently documented from various types of preserved forests across boreal and temperate Europe (Norway, Ukraine, the Czech Republic) and the Caucasus (Russia). It is formally described here as the new species Biatora amylacea. A phylogeny based on ITS and mtSSU sequences demonstrates that it belongs to an isolated group within the core of Biatora s. lat., together with the recently described B. radicicola. It is a distinctive taxon within the genus on account of its amyloid exciple, otherwise known only from members of the Biatora rufidula group. The new species is also characterized by amyloid thalline hyphae and the production of soredia with a blue-green pigment. This microlichen may serve as a bioindicator species of old-growth forests.

Automated summary

A new crustose lichen species, Biatora amylacea, has been discovered in boreal and temperate Europe and the Caucasus region. This species has unique characteristics and could serve as a bioindicator of old-growth forests.