A New Lichenized Fungus, Lendemeriella luteoaurantia, with a Key to the Species of Lendemeriella

Lendemeriella luteoaurantia B.G. Lee is described as a new lichen species from South Korea. The new species is identified by smaller, yellow-orange apothecia, larger ascospores with wider septum width, and the absence of Cinereorufa-green pigment and teloschistin, different from the closest species, L. aureopruinosa I.V. Frolov, Vondrak, Arup, Konoreva, S. Chesnokov, Yakovczenko and Davydov in morphology and chemistry. Molecular phylogeny employing internal transcribed spacer (nuITS), nuclear large subunit ribosomal RNA (nuLSU), and mitochondrial small subunit (mtSSU) sequences strongly supports the new species as nonidentical in the genus Lendemeriella. A preliminary key is provided to assist in the identification of all 10 species of Lendemeriella.

Automated summary

A new lichen species, Lendemeriella luteoaurantia, has been discovered in South Korea. This species is distinct from the closest species, L. aureopruinosa, in terms of morphology and chemistry, characterized by smaller yellow-orange apothecia, larger ascospores with wider septum width, and the absence of specific pigments. Molecular phylogeny analysis confirms that the new species belongs to a different lineage within the genus Lendemeriella. A preliminary key is also provided for the identification of all 10 species of Lendemeriella.