New multispored species of the lichen genus Lecanora from India with an updated world key

Six species of Lecanora with multispored asci (multispored species) viz., L. flavothallina, L. himachalensis, L. jatoliensis, L. pruinomarginata, L. shimlaensis, and L. uttarkashiensis are described as new to science. Lecanora flavothallina is characterized by having characteristic yellow pigments at the thallus margin, L. himachalensis is characterized by having a chlarotera-type epihymenium and the presence of hypoprotocetraric acid, L. jatoliensis has pruinose apothecial discs and usnic acid, L. shimlaensis is characterized by having dark brown to black apothecial discs, and an allophana-type amphithecium. L. pruinomarginata has whitish pruinose apothecial margins and fumarprotocetraric acid, while L. uttarkashiensis is characterized by having orange-brown epruinose apothecial discs and zeorin. All six species are reported from Himalayan regions at elevations of 2000 to 3800 m. An updated world key to the known multispored species ofLecanora is provided.

Automated summary

In this study, six new species belonging to the genus Lecanora and having multispored asci were described. These species include L. flavothallina, L. himachalensis, L. jatoliensis, L. pruinomarginata, L. shimlaensis, and L. uttarkashiensis. Each species is characterized by specific features such as yellow pigments, unique types of epihymenium, and different acid compositions. These species were found in the Himalayan regions at elevations ranging from 2000 to 3800 m. Additionally, an updated world key for identifying multispored species of Lecanora was provided.