Multiclavula ichthyiformis (Fungi: Basidiomycota: Cantharellales: Clavulinaceae), a remarkable new Basidiolichen from Costa Rica

The new basidiolichen Multiclavula ichthyiformis Nelsen, Lucking, Umana, Trest & Will-Wolf is described from Costa Rica. The new species differs from other species of Multiclavula in having a basidiocarp with tomentose stipe and flattened lamina with nonamphigenous hymenium. Molecular sequence data (ITS) confirmed its placement within Multiclavula in the Clavulinaceae (Cantharellales, Agaricomycetes). The new lichen was discovered in a Central American paramo remnant, illustrating the importance of biotic inventories of fungi and lichens to increase our knowledge of the diversity of these groups in endangered tropical ecosystems. The new species was found as part of the TICOLICHEN project in Costa Rica.