New species and records of Chapsa (Graphidaceae) in China

We studied the genus Chapsa in China based on morphological characteristics, chemical traits and molecular phylogenetic analysis. One species new to science (C. murioelongata M.Z. Dou & M. Li) and two records new to China were found (C. wolseleyana Weerakoon, Lumbsch & Lacking and C. niveocarpa Mangold). Chapsa murioelongata sp. nov. is characterised by its lobed thalline margin, orange discs with white pruina, clear hymenium, and submuriform and long ascospores. Chapsa wolseleyana was recombined into Astrochapsa based on phenotypic traits. Sequences of this species are for the first time reported here and phylogenetic analyses of three loci (mtSSU, ITS and nuLSU) supported the position of this species within Chapsa. A key for the Chapsa species known in China is provided.

Automated summary

In this study, the genus Chapsa in China was examined using morphological characteristics, chemical traits, and molecular phylogenetic analysis. A new species to science and two new records to China were identified. The newly discovered species, Chapsa murioelongata, is characterized by specific features and Chapsa wolseleyana was reclassified based on phenotypic traits. Sequence data and phylogenetic analyses supported the position of these species within the Chapsa genus. A key to known Chapsa species in China was provided.