Vahliella, a new lichen genus

The new genus Vahliella is recognized as a genus since molecular studies have shown that the subgenus Micropannaria of Fuscopannaria differs so much from this genus that it cannot even be placed in the Pannariaceae. While its family position remains unclear, it is certainly best established as a genus, as it is recognizable also on morphological and chemical characters. Unlike the mainly warm-temperate genus Fuscopannaria, it is restricted to cold-temperate regions. Presently it is known to contain eight species, a key to which is given. The following new combinations are introduced: Vahliella adnata (P. M. Jorg. & Upreti), Vahliella atlantica (P. M. Jorg. & P. W. James), Vahliella californica (Tuck.), Vahliella globuligera (Fryday & P. M. Jorg.), Vahliella hookeioides (P. M. Jorg.), Vahliella labrata (P. M. Jorg.), Vahliella leucophaea (Vahl), Vahliella saubinetii (Mont.).