The Lichenologist 41(1): 25–60 (2009) © 2009 British Lichen Society
doi:10.1017/S0024282909007993 Printed in the United Kingdom
World survey of the genus Lepraria (Stereocaulaceae,
lichenized Ascomycota)
Lauri SAAG, Andres SAAG and Tiina RANDLANE
Abstract: A comparative review of 57 Lepraria species and 2 varieties is provided together with species
descriptions and a key. Lecanora leuckertiana is transferred to Lepraria. In addition some putative taxa
by different authors are discussed.
Key words: taxonomy, new combination, sterile lichens, secondary substances, morphology
Introduction
The genus Lepraria Ach., with a worldwide
distribution, comprises morphologically
simple lichen-forming fungi that never develop fruiting bodies. Most species have a
leprose thallus with the surface entirely composed of soredia (Laundon 1992; Tønsberg
1992), while a few taxa are squamulose or
develop isidia-like structures (Tønsberg
2004; Wirth et al. 2004; Crespo et al. 2006).
Their taxonomy is largely based on the
chemistry of secondary metabolites as these
lichens produce a wide variety of lichen
substances, and other characters are often
scarce.
The genus Lepraria was described by
Acharius (1803) for various sterile sorediate
lichens. It is a nomen conservandum after the
proposal by Laundon (1963). The genus
was placed in Leprariaceae in Fungi Imperfecti
(Reichenbach 1841). Later it was regarded
as belonging to Ascomycota, incertae sedis by
several authors (e.g. Henssen & Jahns 1974;
Kirk et al. 2001).
The modern treatment of this genus
started when Laundon (1974, 1981) who
transferred the bright-coloured species pro-
L. Saag, A. Saag and T. Randlane: University of Tartu,
Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, Department
of Botany, Lai st. 38, 51005, Tartu, Estonia. Email:
lauri.saag@ut.ee
ducing anthraquinones to Caloplaca Th. Fr.
and Leproplaca (Nyl.) Nyl. ex Hue (a current
synonym of Caloplaca) and species containing pulvinic acid derivatives to Chrysothrix
Mont. The number of species in Lepraria
was further reduced when taxa producing
dibenzofuranes were placed in Leproloma
Nyl. ex Cromb. (Laundon 1989; Leuckert
& Kümmerling 1991). The concept of the
genus was developed further by Laundon
(1992) who also moved some species from
Crocynia (Ach.) A. Massal. into Lepraria, and
by Tønsberg (1992), Lohtander (1995) and
Leuckert et al. (1995). Lepraria lesdainii
was transferred to a new monotypic genus
Botryolepraria Canals, Hern.-Mar., GomezBolea & Llimona (Canals et al. 1997), while
leprose, usnic acid-producing taxa were generally treated under Lecanora Ach. at that
time. Later, Leproloma was synonymized
with Lepraria by Kukwa (2002).
Ekman & Tønsberg (2002) first showed
the monophyly of Lepraria in a molecular
study. In addition, the former Leproloma
species nested in Lepraria in their analysis
and the clade showed affinities with Stereocaulaceae. However, three species, L. flavescens, L. obtusatica and Botryolepraria lesdainii,
were positioned outside the genus in the
analysis by Ekman & Tønsberg. Later, L.
flavescens was transferred to Lecanora as L.
rouxii S. Ekman & Tønsberg (Grube et al.
2004) but the position of Lepraria obtusatica
remains unclear.
26
THE LICHENOLOGIST
Sipman (2003, 2004) also included usnic
acid-containing species in Lepraria; an
example that was followed by other authors
(Kukwa 2006a; Knudsen & Elix 2008).
Sterile crustose lichens have recently been
rather intensely studied and the number of
Lepraria species is constantly increasing.
Since the year 2000, 35 taxa have been newly
described (Orange 2001; Orange et al.
2001b; Aptroot 2002; Tønsberg 2002, 2004,
2007; Sipman 2003, 2004; Wirth et al. 2004;
Bayerová et al. 2005; Orange & Wolseley
2005; Elix 2005, 2006a; Elix et al. 2005;
Lendemer 2005; Crespo et al. 2006;
Kantvilas & Kukwa 2006; SlavíkováBayerová & Orange 2006; Tønsberg &
Zhurbenko 2006; Flakus & Kukwa 2007;
Knudsen & Elix 2007, 2008; Knudsen et al.
2007; Lendemer & Harris 2007; Saag
et al. 2007; Slavíková-Bayerová & Fehrer
2007; Lendemer et al. 2008) and 6 species
have been transferred to Lepraria from the
genera, Leproloma and Lecanora (Kukwa
2002, 2006a; Sipman 2004). In this
paper 57 Lepraria species and 2 varieties are
included.
Today, the species concept is not uniform
for different Lepraria species. Several chemotypes have been included in some species
(e.g. L. caesioalba, L. nivalis), while the presence or absence of a compound is considered
to justify the taxonomic rank of species in
many other cases. The practical chemotaxonomy can be obscured by ‘mechanical
hybrids’ i.e. specimens consisting of mixed
soredia from more than one species, that are
not rare in the genus. Additionally, chemical
similarities may not necessarily indicate close
phylogenetic relationships, as the production
of the compounds can be phylogenetically
homoplasious (Ekman & Tønsberg 2002;
Nelsen & Gargas 2008).
The purpose of this publication is to provide a comparative review of all 57 species
and two varieties currently accepted in the
genus in a standardized manner. We aim to
summarize the present taxonomic situation,
and hope the review will also be of practical
help to lichenologists who are not specialists
in Lepraria and the relatively rapid taxonomic
changes in this genus.
Vol. 41
Material and Methods
The current review is mainly based on literature, but in
many cases also on original observations. Material from
B, C, H, LD, NMW, PH, TU, TUR, UPS, and the
private herbarium of Š. Slavíková was examined to refine
the species descriptions. Morphology and anatomy were
studied using a stereomicroscope (Olympus SZ40)
equipped with additional objectives and a camera
mounting kit. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) was
carried out according to Orange et al. (2001a).
Some fatty acids that cannot be distinguished by
TLC are reported as pairs, for instance ‘roccellic/
angardianic acid’. Stictic acid is usually accompanied by
constictic and cryptostictic acids, while both pannaric
acid 6-methylester and porphyrilic acid often occur
together with related dibenzofurans (Elix & Tønsberg
2004). These complexes are referred to as ‘stictic acid
complex’, ‘pannaric acid 6-methylester and accessories’,
etc.
The Species
Lepraria Ach., nom. cons.
Methodus Lichenum: 3 (1803); type species: Lepraria
incana (L.) Ach.
Thallus crustose to subfoliose or squamulose, with a powdery, granular, cottony,
membranous or subsquamulose to subfoliose appearance; variously coloured, but not
very bright, greyish, greenish and creamy
hues prevalent; thin to thick, soft or hard;
firmly or loosely attached to the substratum,
sometimes parts of the thallus free from
substratum, revealing lower surface; shape
irregular or rosette-shaped (especially young
thalli), individual thalli usually from few mm
to 10 cm diam., thalli may fuse to form more
or less continuous covers up to several metres
diam.; margin diffuse or delimited, lobes
absent or present, obscure to well-developed,
mostly not wider than 2 mm, raised marginal
rim may be present; cortex predominantly
absent, but subcorticate areas may be present
in a few species; medulla absent or present,
thin to thick, sometimes soredia below the
upper surface of sorediate thallus may be
discoloured and/or poorly separated, forming a pseudomedulla; hypothallus absent or
present, sometimes forming thick conspicous
weft, white, grey or brown to black or orange
in patches; prothallus rarely present; areoles
sometimes present in thick specimens;
2009
World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
marginal lobes can be squamulose; thallus
surfaces without soredia sometimes present,
medulla or hypothallus may be exposed or
soredia may be poorly differentiated to form
an almost smooth surface, or be distinguishable but not well separated from each other;
soredia usually abundant, rarely absent,
sometimes scarce on some parts of thallus or
sparsely and evenly distributed throughout
the thallus, often aggregated in consoredia;
very fine to coarse, 10 µm to 1–3 mm diam.,
convex, ellipsoidal or irregular, loosely or
densely packed; wall absent or present;
hyphae projecting from soredia often
present, very short (few µm) to very long
(120 µm); isidia-like structures (large granules,
warts or lobules) may be present, sometimes
becoming sorediate. Photobiont trebouxioid
green alga, most often Asterochloris (Hildreth
& Ahmadjian 1981; Nelsen & Gargas 2006,
2008).
Ascomata and conidiomata absent.
Chemistry. Aliphatic acids, anthraquinones,
benzyl esters, biphenyls, depsides, depsidones,
dibenzofurans, terpenoids and usnic acids.
Ecology and distribution. On various substrata, most often bark, mosses and rock;
most species prefer places sheltered from rain
and shaded from direct sunlight, often with
high humidity, but several taxa grow on
exposed and/or dry surfaces. Worldwide;
according to current knowledge the highest
number of species is found in temperate
areas.
27
anthraquinones ± (2 of them major). K− or
underside K+ purple in patches, C+ carmine
red, KC+ red, PD− (Flakus & Kukwa 2007).
Ecology and distribution. On humus, terricolous mosses, and rocks. Found in open
areas of high Andean Puna vegetation and
upper montane cloud forest. South America
(Bolivia).
Discussion. Lepraria neojackii sometimes
has a very similar morphology but lacks lecanoric acid. Species that can produce lecanoric acid are discussed under L. cupressicola.
Lepraria adhaerens K. Knudsen, Elix &
Lendemer
Opuscula Philolichenum 4: 5 (2007); type: USA (UCR—
holotype; ASU, CANB, PH, SD, UGDA—isotypes).
Thallus leprose, granular; margin diffuse,
lobes absent; medulla absent, but older thalli
forming a lower necral layer of gelatinized
granules; soredia abundant, fine to medium,
40–100 µm diam., projecting hyphae absent,
but frequently with thin colourless hyphae
acting as anchors or rhizines; soredia
clumped together. For further details see
Knudsen et al. (2007).
Chemistry. Pannarin and zeorin (major to
trace, very rarely absent) and trace accessories including norpannarin, dechloropannarin, hypopannarin and atranorin. K−, C−,
KC−, Pd+ orange (Knudsen et al. 2007).
Lepraria achariana Flakus & Kukwa
Lichenologist 39: 464 (2007); type: Bolivia (KRAM-L—
holotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse,
lobes absent; true medulla absent; hypothallus
usually well-developed, lax, white or orange
in places; soredia abundant, fine, up to 45 µm
diam.; consoredia prevalent, up to 75(−150)
µm diam. For more details see Flakus &
Kukwa (2007).
Chemistry. Lecanoric acid, roccellic/
angardianic acid ±, and 2–4 unidentified
Ecology and distribution. On rocks (usually
on mosses and lichens), rarely soil, in open
habitats exposed to rain and sunlight, but in
sheltered places in snowy areas. North
America.
Discussion. The occurrence of small attaching hyphae and the tendency of granules to
adhere to one another and the substratum is
characteristic (Knudsen et al. 2007). Unstratified, diffuse thalli are found in several
other species, but L. santamonicae (argopsin
and norargopsin) is the most similar.
28
THE LICHENOLOGIST
Lepraria alpina (B. de Lesd.) Tretiach
& Baruffo var. alpina
in Baruffo et al., Nova Hedwigia 83: 395 (2006); type:
USA (UPS—neotype; GZU, ASU—isoneotypes; distributed in Weber, Lichenes exsiccati, distr. by the Univ.
of Colorado, Fasc. 16: no. 609).
Crocynia alpina B. de Lesd., Bull. Soc. Bot. France 61:
85 (1914).
Lepraria angardiana Øvstedal, Nova Hedwigia 37: 687
(1983).
Lepraria caerulescens (Hue) Botnen & Øvstedal, Polar
Research 6: 130 (1988).
Leproloma cacuminum sensu J.R. Laundon, Lichenologist 24: 345 (1992).—Lepraria cacuminum sensu Loht.
Ann. Bot. Fennici 32: 52 (1995)—non Diploicia cacuminum A. Massal., Symm. Lich. Nov.: 52 (1855).
Thallus leprose, granular; margin usually
delimited, lobes sometimes present, minute,
often obscure, without raised rims; medulla
usually present, not conspicuous, white;
hypothallus sometimes present, poorly developed; soredia abundant, coarse or variably
sized, typically 100–150 µm diam., projecting hyphae sometimes present, short; consoredia present from few to abundant,
typically 200–300 µm. For further details see
Lohtander (1995), Baruffo et al. (2006) and
Saag et al. (2007).
Chemistry. Atranorin, porphyrilic acid and
a fatty acid (roccellic/angardianic or rarely
rangiformic acid); very rarely fatty acids
and/or atranorin can be absent (Leuckert
et al. 1995; Saag et al. 2007), or another,
unidentified fatty acid present (Flakus &
Kukwa 2007). K− or + yellow, C−, KC− or
+ yellow, Pd− or + yellow.
Ecology and distribution. On rock and saxicolous mosses, also on soil, lichens and rarely
bark; mostly acidic substrata; usually exposed but also in shaded places, mostly cool
climate.
Europe, North and South America,
Antarctica, Greenland.
Discussion. According to molecular
studies, L. alpina belongs to a monophyletic
‘L. neglecta group’ together with L. atlantica,
L. borealis, L. caesioalba, L. elobata, L. granulata, L. humida and L. neglecta (Ekman
& Tønsberg 2002; Slavílová-Bayerová &
Vol. 41
Fehrer 2007). Morphologically similar
species with a coarsely granular appearance
include L. borealis, L. caesioalba, L. granulata
and L. neglecta, but these taxa differ chemically. The chemotype with angardianic/
roccellic acid only was included in L. alpina
(sub. nomine L. cacuminum) by Lohtander
(1994, 1995), but in L. borealis by Kukwa
(2006b); specimens with atranorin only or
fatty acids only were placed in L. borealis by
Saag et al. (2007). Thus specimens with a
deficient chemistry can be identified as either
L. alpina or L. borealis as there are no distinctive morphological differences between these
two species (Prigodina-Lukošienë et al.
2003; Kukwa 2006b; see also Lohtander
1995). Lepraria atlantica has a similar chemistry but is usually powdery to cottony, and
is only very rarely morphologically similar to
L. alpina (Saag et al. 2007).
Lepraria alpina var. zeorinica L. Saag
Mycotaxon 102: 68 (2007); type: Greenland (C—
holotype, TU—isotype).
Thallus and chemistry as L. alpina var.
alpina, but also produces zeorin. K− or +
yellow, C−, KC− or + yellow, Pd− or +
yellow.
Ecoloy and distribution. On soil and mosses,
and sometimes lichens. Greenland.
Lepraria atlantica Orange
Lichenologist 33: 462 (2001); type: Ireland (NMW—
holotype, BG—isotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse
or delimited, lobes absent; true medulla
absent; hypothallus present in patches, of
usually sparse, white to dull orange hyphae;
soredia abundant, fine to rarely coarse, 40–
100 (160–220) µm diam., projecting hyphae
rarely present, short; consoredia rare. For
further details see Orange (2001), SlavíkováBayerová & Orange (2006) and Saag et al.
(2007).
Chemistry. The two common chemotypes
contain (1) atranorin, porphyrilic acid and
2009
World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
accessories, rangiformic acid; (2) atranorin,
porphyrilic acid and accessories, roccellic/
angardianic acid. In addition, rare chemotypes have been reported with (3) porphyrilic
acid and accessories only and (4) both fatty
acids (rangiformic and roccellic/angardianic
acids) besides atranorin and porphyrilic acid.
The subthalline hyphae usually produce
unidentified anthraquinones (Orange 2001;
Slavíková-Bayerová & Orange 2006; Saag
et al. 2007). K+ yellow, C−, Pd− or + yellow.
Ecology and distribution. On siliceous rock
(also on mosses), sometimes on soil and
rarely bark; sheltered from rain. Europe,
Australia, Greenland.
Discussion. According to molecular
studies, L. atlantica belongs to the monophyletic ‘L. neglecta group’ (Ekman &
Tønsberg 2002; Slavíková-Bayerová &
Fehrer 2007; see also the discussion under L.
alpina). Fehrer et al. (2008) used a narrower
definition of the ‘L. neglecta group’ and distinguished the ‘L. atlantica group’ including
L. atlantica, L. humida and L. sp. H (discussed under L. humida). Other morphologically similar species are mentioned under L.
jackii. Lepraria atlantica is chemically and
morphologically rather similar to L. neojackii,
which is described as having fine soredia
only, and containing both roccellic/
angardianic and rangiformic acids together
but no atranorin (Flakus & Kukwa 2007).
See also the discussion under L. jackii. Lepraria atlantica is also chemically very similar
to L. alpina (discussed under L. alpina var.
alpina).
Lepraria aurescens Orange & Wolseley
Lichenologist 37: 247 (2005); type: Thailand (BM—
holotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin usually
diffuse, rim absent, lobes absent; medulla absent; hypothallus present in places, brown,
well developed, lax; soredia abundant to
sparse in few places, fine to medium, 40–100
µm diam., projecting hyphae usually absent,
but present on marginal or solitary granules,
29
long, downward, mostly dark. For more details see Orange & Wolseley (2005).
Chemistry. Thamnolic acid (Orange &
Wolseley 2005). K+ bright yellow, C−,
KC−, Pd+ orange-yellow.
Ecology and distribution. On bark; in sheltered places in dry forest. Asia (Thailand).
Discussion. Lepraria yunnaniana also has
fine granules and a dark loose hypothallus,
but produces divaricatic acid. Lepraria cupressicola develops a dark hypothallus but the
thallus is blue-grey and has lobes, and it
contains lecanoric acid, zeorin and atranorin.
Species producing thamnolic acid include
L. aurescens (usually thin pale grey to yellowish thallus with a brown well-developed
hypothallus and a diffuse margin), L. nylanderiana (usually thick whitish thallus with a
well-developed greyish hypothallus and a
delimited margin, contains roccellic acid),
L. pulchra (thin whitish to pale bluish grey
thallus with a whitish medulla, delimited
margin with a rim, and characteristic very
short projecting hyphae on the soredia)
and L. umbricola (usually thin green thallus
with diffuse margin and no medulla or
hypothallus).
Lepraria bergensis Tønsberg
Graphis Scripta 14: 47 (2002); type: Norway (BG—
holotype; B, H, NMW—isotypes).
Thallus leprose, membranous; margin usually delimited, sharply raised (in saxicolous
specimens), lobes usually distinct, up to a few
mm wide; medulla distinct in places, white;
hypothallus absent or orange-brown to
brown, inconspicuous, hyphae below thallus
orange-brown to brown or colourless; lower
surface present, white (at least along margin), pale yellowish or brown; soredia abundant, very fine, up to 25 µm diam., projecting
hyphae present or absent, short; consoredia
abundant, up to 200 (−340) µm. For more
details see Tønsberg (2002).
Chemistry. Atranorin, rangiformic acid,
norrangiformic acid (trace), fragilin,
30
THE LICHENOLOGIST
7-chloroemodin, emodin, parietin and A01anthrone; the anthraquinones are located
mostly in the subthalline hyphae. K+ faint
yellow, subthalline hyphae K+ purple (in
patches), C−, Pd− (Tønsberg 2002).
Ecology and distribution. On siliceous rock
(also on mosses); on shaded surfaces. Europe
– Norway, Great Britain, Germany (Spribille
& Tønsberg 2007).
Discussion. The phylogenetic placement of
this and other taxa with distinct lobes are
mentioned under L. membranacea. Morphologically the most similar species include L.
membranacea (pannaric acid), L. normandinoides (usually protocetraric acid and/or
fumarprotocetraric acid in addition to roccellic acid and atranorin) and L. sipmaniana
(pannaric acid 6-methylester and usually
also anthraquinones). Anthraquinone producing species apart from L. bergensis and L.
sipmaniana include L. goughensis (obscure
minute lobes, lecanoric acid) and non-lobate
L. atlantica (porphyrilic acid), L. incana
chemotype 2 (divaricatic acid) and L. humida
(atranorin and fatty acids).
Lepraria borealis Loht. & Tønsberg
in Lohtander, Ann. Bot. Fennici 31: 224 (1994); type:
Norway (BG—holotype, H—isotype).
Thallus leprose, granular; margin usually
delimited, sometimes diffuse, obscure
minute lobes sometimes present, without
raised rim; medulla sometimes present, inconspicuous, white; hypothallus usually
absent; soredia abundant, coarse or variably
sized, typically 100–200 µm diam., projecting hyphae often present, usually short; consoredia sometimes present, typically 200–
300 µm, sometimes larger. For further details
see the references below.
Chemistry. The commonest chemotype (1)
comprises atranorin, rangiformic and ± norrangiformic acid; rarely in (2) rangiformic
acid is replaced by roccellic/angardianic
acid or in (3) both fatty acids are present
(Lohtander 1994; Tønsberg 2004; Kukwa
2006b and others). Saag et al. (2007) tenta-
Vol. 41
tively also included specimens with fatty
acids only (4) and atranorin only (5). K− or +
faint yellow, C−, KC−, Pd−.
Ecology and distribution. On acidic rock
(also on mosses), rarely on soil and lichens;
mostly exposed but also shaded places,
mostly cool climate. Europe, North America,
Antarctica, Greenland.
Discussion. See the discussion under L.
alpina.
Lepraria caesiella R.C. Harris
in Lendemer, Opuscula Philolichenum 2: 51 (2005); type:
USA (NY— holotype; isotypes distributed as Lichens of
Eastern North America Exsiccati, no. 172).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse to
poorly delimited, lobes absent; medulla absent; hypothallus absent; soredia abundant,
very fine, 20–30 µm diam., projecting hyphae
present, short, 25–30 µm; consoredia
present, up to 100 µm diam. For more details
see Lendemer (2005).
Chemistry. Atranorin and zeorin (Lendemer 2005). K− or + faint yellow, C−, KC−,
Pd−. Saag et al. (2007) and Flakus & Kukwa
(2007) included a few specimens with atranorin, zeorin and roccellic/angardianic acid
or an unidentified fatty acid.
Ecology and distribution. On bark, rarely
on rock, lignum, soil and mosses. North
America, South America (Chile), Greenland.
Discussion. Lepraria caesiella was previously
known as ‘‘Lepraria sp. 3’’ from North
America (Harris 1977). Morphologically
similar species include L. incana (divaricatic
acid) and L. elobata (stictic acid complex).
Lepraria pallida also contains atranorin and
zeorin but always produces fatty acid(s) and
possesses lobes; L. jackii s. lat. has been reported to contain zeorin as a rare accessory
(Leuckert et al. 1995; Baruffo et al. 2006).
Lendemer (2005) referred to an undescribed
species that also produces atranorin and
zeorin.
2009
World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
Lepraria caesioalba (B. de Lesd.) J. R.
Laundon var. caesioalba
Lichenologist 24: 324 (1992).—Crocynia caesioalba B. de
Lesd., Bull. Soc. Bot. France 61: 84 (1914); type: France
(E—holotype; BM, GL, PC—topotypes).
Thallus leprose, granular; margin usually
delimited, sometimes diffuse, obscure minute
lobes sometimes present, without raised rims;
medulla present, inconspicuous, white; hypothallus usually absent; rarely small patches
with exposed medulla present; soredia abundant, coarse or variably sized, typically 100–
150(−200) µm diam., projecting hyphae
sometimes present, usually short; consoredia
frequent, typically 200–300 µm. For further
details see Laundon (1992), Lohtander
(1994), Saag et al. (2007).
Chemistry. This species comprises several
chemotypes, e.g. Leuckert et al. (1995) distinguished three and Tønsberg (2004) five.
In this paper, the classification of Leuckert
et al. (1995), with additions, is followed, and
specimens containing only atranorin and
fatty acid(s) without depsidones are placed in
L. borealis as described by Lohtander (1994)
and Prigodina-Lukošienë et al. (2003).
Tønsberg (2004) recognized such specimens
as an additional chemotype of L. caesioalba.
Chemotype (1): atranorin, fumarprotocetraric acid, protocetraric acid ± (in variable
amounts), roccellic/angardianic or rangiformic acid; rare modifications of this chemotype include 1a) both fatty acids, 1b) no fatty
acids, 1c) no fumarprotocetraric acid, protocetraric acid present and 1d) no atranorin.
K− or + yellow, C−, KC−or + faint yellow,
Pd+ orange. Chemotype (2): atranorin,
stictic acid plus constictic and cryptostictic
acids (in variable amounts, mostly minor),
rangiformic or roccellic/angardianic acid;
rare modifications include 2a) both fatty
acids and 2b) no fatty acids. K− or + yellow,
C−, KC− or + faint yellow, Pd+ orange.
Chemotype (3): atranorin, psoromic acid,
roccellic/angardianic or rangiformic acid. K−
or + yellow, C+ red, KC−, Pd+ sulphur
yellow. Chemotype (1) is the most frequent,
(2) common and (3) is rare, but still widespread.
31
Ecology and distribution. On acidic rock
(usually on mosses) and soil, rarely on bark,
epiphytic mosses and lichens; in exposed
places, mostly cool climate, montane-alpine
in tropics. Europe, North and South
America, Asia, Australasia, Antarctica,
Greenland.
Discussion. The phylogenetic placement of
this and morphologically similar species is
discussed under L. alpina. Lepraria caesioalba
is not monophyletic (Ekman & Tønsberg
2002; Slavíková-Bayerová & Fehrer 2007),
but no nomenclatural segregation has been
proposed.
Species producing stictic acid and atranorin include L. caesioalba (granular L.
neglecta-type thallus), L. elobata (thin greenish thallus of relatively compact soredia, no
medulla or lobes, contains zeorin), L. leprolomopsis (thick whitish thallus with medulla, no
lobes, even lower surface, an unknown terpenoid), L. lobificans (greenish loosely packed
soredia with long projecting hyphae, welldeveloped medulla, contains zeorin), L.
multiacida (stictic acid complex mostly in
traces, also salazinic acid and strepsilin derivates in minor to trace amounts and usually
zeorin plus 1–2 unknown terpenoids), L.
nivalis (some chemotypes; thick whitish thallus with medulla, no terpenoids), L. santosii
(some chemotypes; membranous to granular
thallus with well-developed lobes and marginal rim) and L. sp. 2 sensu Flakus & Kukwa
(for this taxon, see Flakus & Kukwa 2007).
The species that may contain protocetraric
and/or fumarprotocetraric acids include L.
caesioalba (granular L. neglecta-type thallus),
L. eburnea (alectorialic acid, usually soft
powdery to cottony thallus), L. friabilis (thin
finely powdery thallus, often of only sparse
soredia), L. isidiata and L. santosii (lobes
with thick raised marginal rims and coarse,
more or less isidia-like structures, discussed
under L. isidiata), L. lanata (characteristic
very large consoredia surrounded by woolly
anastomosing hyphae), L. nivalis (thick
whitish thallus with medulla, may be similar
to L. eburnea but lacks alectorialic acid), L.
normandinoides (dark thick hyphae on the
lower side, lobes usually wide), L. squamatica
32
THE LICHENOLOGIST
(contains squamatic acid, protocetraric acid
trace accessory), L. toilenae (malonprotocetraric acid, thick light hypothallus).
Lepraria caesioalba var. groenlandica
L. Saag
Saag et al. Mycotaxon 102: 73 (2007); type: Greenland
(C—holotype; TU—isotype).
Thallus identical to the main variety. For
more details see Saag et al. (2007).
Chemistry. Atranorin, stictic acid complex,
zeorin (in variable amounts), roccellic/
angardianic acid; rarely roccellic/angardianic
acid is replaced by rangiformic acid, or fatty
acids are absent.
Ecology and distribution. On soil and
mosses, sometimes on lichens, rarely on
rocks. Greenland.
Discussion. Chemically similar to L. elobata, which differs in its thin powdery thallus
composed of mostly fine soredia, rare consoredia and diffuse thallus margin.
Vol. 41
Discussion. According to molecular
studies, L. celata is a distinct monophyletic
taxon (Fehrer et al. 2008). Morphologically
similar species are mentioned under L. jackii.
Chemically similar taxa include L. borealis
(granular thallus), L. jackii s. lat. (discussed
under L. jackii) and L. normandinoides (lobes,
usually contains protocetraric or fumarprotocetraric acid).
Lepraria coriensis (Hue) Sipman
Herzogia 17: 28 (2004).—Crocynia coriensis Hue, Bull.
Soc. Bot. France 71: 386 (1924); type: South Korea
(KYO—isotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery to membranous;
margin delimited, lobes present, obscure or
more often well-developed (0·5–2 mm wide)
and with raised marginal rim; medulla usually
present, thin to medium, white; hypothallus
sometimes present, thin, brown to black;
sometimes soredia sparse in places, exposing
smooth ecorticate surface especially near
margins; soredia fine to coarse, up to 300 µm
diam., projecting hyphae usually absent.
For more details see Laundon (2003) and
Sipman (2004).
Lepraria celata Š. Slavíková
Chemistry. Atranorin ± (major to minor)
and roccellic/angardianic acid (SlavíkováBayerová & Orange 2006). K− or + faint
yellowish, C−, Pd−.
Chemistry. Three chemotypes were distinguished by Elix (2006b): (1) usnic acid,
zeorin, protodehydroconstipatic and constipatic acids (major to minor), isousnic acid ±
(minor to trace), and atranorin ± (trace); (2)
usnic acid, zeorin, protodehydroconstipatic
and constipatic acids (minor to trace), argopsin (minor), norargopsin (minor to
trace), isousnic acid ± (minor to trace) and
atranorin ± (minor to trace); and (3) usnic
acid, zeorin, protodehydroconstipatic and
constipatic acids (minor to trace), caloploicin
(minor), fulgidin (minor to trace), isousnic
acid ± (minor to trace) and atranorin ±
(trace). The third chemotype was considered
rare. Laundon (2003) reported that rarely
zeorin can be missing. K−, C−, KC−, Pd−.
Ecology and distribution. Terricolous (soil
and debris) and on mosses; open habitats,
often in rock cervices. Europe (Bulgaria and
Ukraine), montane; probably wider.
Ecology and distribution. On rock (mostly siliceous), wood, bark, mosses and soil; shaded
and sheltered places. Asia (India, South
Korea), Australia; tropical to subtropical.
in Slavíková & Orange Lichenologist 38: 504 (2006);
type: Ukraine (PRA— holotype; BG, NMW—isotypes;
GenBank accession no. DQ401100).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse
or delimited, lobes absent; true medulla absent; hypothallus of sparse patches of white
hyphae; prothallus absent; soredia abundant,
fine, (20−)35–50(−60) µm diam., projecting
hyphae rarely present, short. For further
details see Slavíková-Bayerová & Orange
(2006).
2009
World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
Discussion. Some authors have doubted the
distinctiveness of L. usnica from L. coriensis
(Orange & Wolseley 2005), however, chemical differences between these taxa were
shown by Elix (2006b). In a molecular study
Nelsen et al. (2008, in press) confirmed that
L. coriensis and L. usnica are distinct species
distant from one another and do not belong
to Lepraria. Lepraria coriensis had an uncertain position outside Lecanorales in their
analysis, while the placement of L. usnica
in Pilocarpaceae (Lecanorales) was wellsupported.
Other lobate species are discussed under
L. membranacea and L. bergensis. Lepraria
santamonicae also produces argopsin, but it
has no medulla or lobes, does not contain
usnic acid, and argopsin is produced in large
amounts.
Species producing usnic acid and usually
zeorin include L. coriensis (usually welldeveloped lobes with a marginal rim, protodehydroconstipatic and constipatic acids),
L. usnica (usually small lobes without a marginal rim and minor amounts of contortin),
L. ecorticata (no lobes, predominantly no
medulla, soredia regular and convex, wellseparated from each other), L. leuckertiana
(obscurely and minutely lobed, cottony
thallus with thick medulla, soredia not wellseparated from one another), L. straminea
(granular, granules corticate, no lobes), L.
texta (sometimes obscurely and minutely
lobed, powdery thallus with hypothallus,
some soredia not well-separated).
Lepraria crassissima (Hue) Lettau
Feddes Repert. 61: 125 (1958).—Crocynia crassissima
Hue, Bull. Soc. Bot. France 71: 393 (1924); type: France
(B—isotype).
Thallus leprose, membranous to cottony;
margin usually delimited, lobes sometimes
present, poorly defined; medulla present, very
thick, white; lower surface distinct, folded (if
whole thallus folded), smooth to tomentose,
white to brownish; often eroded patches with
exposed medulla on older specimens; soredia
abundant, mostly coarse, up to 300(−400)
µm diam., projecting hyphae present, short
to long; large granules or warts slightly re-
33
sembling isidia but lacking cortex may be
present in well-developed thalli, may become
sorediate. For more details see van den
Boom et al. (1994).
Chemistry. Divaricatic acid, nordivaricatic
acid (major, rarely trace), zeorin ± (major to
minor) (Laundon 1992; Tønsberg 1992; van
den Boom et al. 1994). K−, C+ rose-red,
KC−, Pd−.
Ecology and distribution. On siliceous rock
and epilithic mosses, also sometimes on bark
or calcareous rock; shaded, humid. Europe,
Australia.
Discussion. Species producing divaricatic
acid and zeorin include L. crassissima (thallus
membranous to cottony, thick white medulla, nordivaricatic acid usually major), L.
incana (thallus powdery, nordivaricatic acid
± trace) and L. yunnaniana (thallus cottony,
dominant dark hypothallus, nordivaricatic
acid ± trace). In addition, Baruffo et al.
(2006) reported divaricatic acid as a very rare
accessory in L. rigidula (lax cottony thallus,
very long projecting soredial hyphae, atranorin and nephrosteranic acid).
Lepraria multiacida, L. lobificans, and
sometimes L. nivalis and L. vouauxii, may be
morphologically similar, but differ in their
chemistry and spot reactions (see descriptions of these species). Lepraria isidiata was
historically described as a variety of L. crassissima, but today it is defined as differing in
chemistry, morphology and ecology (see
under L. isidiata). Lepraria crassissima was
synonomized with L. incana by Kümmerling
et al. (1991) and Leuckert et al. (1995), but
was shown to be a distinct species by van den
Boom et al. (1994) and Ekman & Tønsberg
(2002). Other species producing isidia-like
structures are mentioned under L. isidiata.
Lepraria cupressicola (Hue) J. R.
Laundon
Lichenologist 40: 412 (2008).—Crocynia cupressicola Hue,
Bull. Soc. Bot. France 71: 395 (1924); type: Japan
(KYO—holotype).
Lepraria atrotomentosa Orange & Wolseley, Biblioth.
Lichenol. 78: 328 (2001); type: Sri Lanka (BM—
holotype, PDA—isotype).
34
THE LICHENOLOGIST
Thallus leprose, powdery to membranous;
margin delimited, lobes absent or present,
sometimes well-developed, 0·5-2 mm wide,
with raised marginal rim, sometimes irregular and less than 0·5 mm wide, without a rim;
medulla present, thin, white; hypothallus usually thick, sometimes thin, lax, dark brown,
forms a tomentum under lobes; soredia abundant to sparse in places, fine to medium,
sometimes coarse, 60–200 µm diam., projecting hyphae rarely present, short. For further details see Orange et al. (2001b) and
Sipman (2004).
Chemistry. Lecanoric acid, atranorin,
zeorin and unidentified fatty acids (Orange
et al. 2001b; Sipman 2004). K+ yellowish,
C+ pink to red, KC+ more or less red, Pd+
yellow.
Ecology and distribution. On siliceous rock or
soil and bark; shaded, sheltered, damp. Japan,
China (Hong Kong), Taiwan, Sri Lanka.
Discussion. Other lobate species are discussed under L. membranacea and L. bergensis. Non-lobed specimens of L. cupressicola
may resemble L. incana in appearance but L.
cupressicola has a dark tomentum below the
thallus and a different chemistry. A similar
dark tomentum is also present in L. yunnaniana (divaricatic acid) and L. aurescens (thamnolic acid, tomentum less extensive).
Species that can produce lecanoric acid
include L. achariana (stratified thallus with
fine soredia and a diffuse margin, roccellic
acid ±), L. cupressicola (dark tomentose
hypothallus, atranorin and zeorin), L. goughensis (very fine soredia, no hypothallus, gyrophoric acid and strepsilin in minor to trace
amounts), L. impossibilis (pannaric acid
6-methylester) and L. lecanorica (usually
thick thallus, no dark hypothallus).
Lepraria diffusa (J. R. Laundon) Kukwa
Ann. Bot. Fennici 39: 226 (2002).—Leproloma diffusum
J. R. Laundon, Lichenologist 21: 16 (1989); type: Finland
(BM—holotype).
Lepraria diffusa var. chrysodetoides (J. R. Laundon)
Kukwa, Ann. Bot. Fennici 39: 226 (2002).—Leproloma
diffusum var. chrysodetoides J. R. Laundon, Lichenologist
21: 18 (1989).
Vol. 41
Thallus leprose, powdery to cottony; margin diffuse, rarely delimited, lobes absent;
medulla present, usually thick, sometimes
thin, white; hypothallus sometimes present,
weakly developed, whitish grey to brownish;
medulla exposed but only in small patches or
fissures, soredia abundant, coarse, up to 100
µm diam., projecting hyphae sometimes
present, short. For more details see Laundon
(1992) and Kukwa (2006b).
Chemistry.
4-oxypannaric
acid
2methylester; accessories are 4-oxypannaric
acid (minor to trace), pannaric acid methylester, pannaric acid 2-methylester, pannaric
acid and other dibenzofurans (traces) (Elix &
Tønsberg 2004); rarely also atranorin and/or
roccellic acid or very rarely rangiformic acid
(Baruffo et al. 2006). K− or + yellow slowly
becoming orange, C− or + yellow, KC− or +
yellow, Pd+ reddish orange.
Ecology and distribution. On calcareous
rock (often on mosses), rarely on bark or
soil; mostly in shaded and sheltered places.
Europe, North America, Asia.
Discussion. Lepraria diffusa var. chrysodetoides was subsumed within var. diffusa by
Kukwa (2006b). Lepraria eburnea and L.
lobificans and to a lesser extent also L. leprolomopsis, L. nivalis and L. nylanderiana may
have a similar morphology but do not produce dibenzofurans. Lepraria vouauxii produces dibenzofurans and is sometimes also
morphologically similar, but L. diffusa is
more powdery, with less or no patches of
exposed medulla and the diagnostic substance is different.
Lepraria eburnea J. R. Laundon
Lichenologist 24: 331 (1992); type: United Kingdom
(BM—holotype).
Lepraria frigida J. R. Laundon, Lichenologist 24: 332
(1992).
Thallus leprose, powdery to cottony; margin diffuse, rarely delimited, lobes usually absent; medulla usually present, mostly thick,
white; hypothallus usually not distinct; thallus
surfaces without soredia often present, also
2009
World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
soredia often embedded in a hyphal weft;
soredia abundant, mostly fine, up to 60 µm
diam., projecting hyphae usually present,
short to long (to 100 µm); consoredia
present, up to 200(−400) µm. For further
details see Orange (1997).
Chemistry. Orange (1997) distinguished 3
chemotypes: (1) alectorialic acid, protocetraric acid; (2) alectorialic acid, psoromic
acid, 2’-O-demethylpsoromic acid; and (3)
alectorialic acid only; accessories reported by
other authors include barbatolic acid and
other satellites of alectorialic acid (e.g.
5,7-dihydroxy-6-methylphthalide) and very
rarely atranorin (all major to trace, Laundon
1992; Baruffo et al. 2006) or roccellic/
angardianic acid (Saag et al. 2007). K− or +
yellow, C− or + reddish orange, KC+ pink or
reddish orange, Pd+ lemon yellow or orange.
Ecology and distribution. Substratum indifferent; on mosses, bark, wood, rock, soil and
lichens. Europe, North America, Australasia,
Greenland.
Discussion. Lepraria frigida was synonymized with L. eburnea by Orange (1997)
who showed chemical and morphological
continuity between these taxa. Other morphologically similar species are discussed
under L. leprolomopsis, and the species producing protocetraric and/or fumarprotocetraric acids under L. caesioalba (none of
them produces alectorialic acid).
Species producing alectorialic acid include
L. eburnea (soft thallus, see chemistry above),
L. gelida (usually soft thallus, porphyrilic
acid) and L. neglecta (granular thallus, ± fatty
acids and atranorin).
Lepraria ecorticata (J. R. Laundon)
Kukwa
Mycotaxon 97: 64 (2006).—Lecanora ecorticata J. R.
Laundon, Nova Hedwigia 76: 100 (2003); type: United
Kingdom (BM—holotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse,
lobes absent; medulla rarely present in places,
weakly developed; soredia abundant, mostly
fine to medium, 10–100 µm diam., well
35
separated from each other. For further
details see Laundon (2003) and Kukwa
(2006a).
Chemistry. Usnic acid, zeorin ±, atranorin
(in variable amounts) and unidentified terpenoids ±. Laundon (2003) reported that
rarely zeorin can be missing and/or unidentified fatty acids present; Flakus &
Kukwa (2007) detected porphyrilic acid in a
few specimens. K± faint yellow, C−, KC−,
Pd−.
Ecology and distribution. On siliceous rock
(also on mosses) and sometimes on lichens;
in mostly shaded and sheltered places.
Europe, North America, South America,
Asia (China).
Discussion. Taxa containing usnic acid and
zeorin are compared under L. coriensis.
Lepraria elobata Tønsberg
Sommerfeltia 14: 197 (1992); type: Norway (BG—
holotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse,
lobes predominantly absent; medulla predominantly absent; hypothallus absent; soredia abundant, mostly fine, 20–45 µm diam.,
projecting hyphae absent, soredia well separated from one another; consoredia sometimes present, up to 100 µm. For more details
see Tønsberg (1992).
Chemistry. Atranorin, stictic acid, constictic acid, cryptostictic acid, zeorin and very
rarely an unidentified fatty acid (major to
trace) (Tønsberg 1992, 2004 and others).
K− or + yellow, C−, KC−, Pd+ orange.
Ecology and distribution. On bark, sometimes soil, wood, siliceous rock and mosses;
in shady, humid places. Europe, North
America, Greenland.
Discussion. The phylogenetic placement is
recorded under L. alpina. Lepraria lobificans
(cottony appearance) and the rare L. caesioalba var. groenlandica (granular thallus) have
similar chemistry to L. elobata. Morphologically, L. caesiella (atranorin and zeorin) and
36
THE LICHENOLOGIST
L. incana (divaricatic acid and zeorin) may be
similar to L. elobata; further morphologically
similar species are mentioned under L. jackii.
Species producing stictic acid complex are
compared under L. caesioalba.
Lepraria friabilis Lendemer, K.
Knudsen & Elix
Opuscula Philolichenum 5: 64 (2008); type: USA (NY—
holotype; B, CANB, UCR, UDGA, hb. Lendemer—
isotypes).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse,
lobes absent; medulla absent; hypothallus
present, thin, colourless, inconspicuous;
soredia sparse to abundant, very fine,
(10−)20–30 µm diam., projecting hyphae
usually present, short; consoredia present,
up to 60 µm. For more details see Lendemer
et al. (2008).
Chemistry. Two chemotypes: (1) fumarprotocetraric acid with minor amounts of
protocetraric, succinprotocetraric and confumarprotocetraric acids; and (2) fumarprotocetraric acid only. Both chemotypes K−,
C−, KC−, Pd+ orange or red (Lendemer
et al. 2008).
Ecology and distribution. On bark of conifers; in humid habitats. Southern North
America.
Discussion. Morphologically the most similar species is L. caesiella (thinner thallus,
slightly smaller soredia, atranorin and
zeorin). Species that may contain protocetraric and/or fumarprotocetraric acids are
discussed under L. caesioalba.
Lepraria gelida Tønsberg & Zhurb.
Graphis Scripta, 18: 64 (2006); type: Svalbard (BG—
holotype; NMW— isotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery to cottony; margin diffuse to delimited, lobes usually absent;
medulla present, thick, rarely thin, white;
thallus surfaces without soredia present, can
be relatively large, medulla exposed; soredia
abundant to sparse in places, variable in size,
Vol. 41
mostly 65–100(−200) µm diam., projecting
hyphae present, short to medium. For more
details see Tønsberg & Zhurbenko (2006)
and Saag et al. (2007).
Chemistry. Alectorialic and porphyrilic
acids. K+ yellow or orange, C−, KC+
red, Pd+ yellow or orange (Tønsberg &
Zhurbenko 2006; Saag et al. 2007).
Ecology and distribution. On soil, mosses
and sometimes lichens, rarely bark; in open
habitats. Greenland, Svalbard and the Russian Arctic islands near the Taimyr peninsula
(Tønsberg & Zhurbenko 2006; Saag et al.
2007).
Discussion. Species producing alectorialic
acid are compared under L. eburnea. Porphyrilic acid is also produced by L. alpina, L.
atlantica and L. neojackii, which never contain alectorialic acid. Lepraria vouauxii is
often morphologically quite similar but
produces pannaric acid 6-methylester and
atranorin.
Lepraria goughensis Elix & Øvstedal
Mycotaxon 93: 274 (2005); type: Gough Island (BG—
holotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin delimited, usually poorly defined lobes present;
medulla absent; hypothallus absent; soredia
abundant, very fine, 20–26 µm diam., projecting hyphae present, numerous. For
further details see Elix et al. (2005).
Chemistry. Lecanoric acid, gyrophoric acid
(minor to trace), strepsilin (minor to trace),
fragilin (trace), 7-chloroemodin (trace),
flavo-obscurin C (trace). K−, C+ red, KC+
red, Pd–(Elix et al. 2005).
Ecology and distribution. On mosses and
debris, peat; in shady, humid places. Gough
Island (South Atlantic).
Discussion. Species that can produce lecanoric acid are discussed under L. cupressicola.
Lepraria multiacida and L. xerophila can produce strepsilin, but these taxa differ in both
2009
World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
their morphology and chemistry. Anthraquinone producing species are mentioned under
L. bergensis.
Lepraria granulata Slav.-Bay.
In Slavíková-Bayerová & Fehrer, Lichenologist 39: 321
(2007); type: Bulgaria (PRA—holotype; BG—isotype;
GenBank accession no. DQ914539).
Thallus leprose, granular; margin delimited to diffuse, lobes sometimes present, obscure; medulla absent; hypothallus usually
scarce, usually grey; soredia abundant,
coarse, up to 0–2(–0·3) mm diam., projecting hyphae usually absent. For more details
see Slavíková-Bayerová & Fehrer (2007).
Chemistry. Atranorin ±, ‘granulata unknown 1’, ‘granulata unknown 2’ ±, unidentified anthraquinones ± (hyphae below
thallus only). K+ yellowish, coloured hyphae
below thallus K+ purple-red, other hyphae
below thallus K−, C−, Pd− or + faint yellowish. The diagnostic feature of this recently
described species is the production of
two unknown fatty acids, ‘granulata unknown 1 & 2’ (Slavíková-Bayerová & Fehrer
2007).
Ecology and distribution. On mosses on
siliceous rock, sometimes also on soil. So far
known from Central and Eastern Europe.
Discussion. The phylogenetic placement is
reported under L. alpina. In addition,
Slavíková-Bayerová & Fehrer (2007) characterized L. sp. G that is chemically identical to
L. granulata, and also is very close to that
species in ITS sequences, but is morphologically more similar to L. humida. Morphologically similar species include L. alpina, L.
caesioalba, L. neglecta and especially L. borealis, but L. granulata is chemically distinct by
producing unknown fatty acids ‘granulata
unknown 1 & 2’.
Lepraria humida Slav.-Bay. & Orange
Lichenologist 38: 505 (2006); type: United Kingdom
(PRA—holotype; BG, NMW—isotypes; GenBank accession no. DQ401101).
37
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse
or delimited, lobes absent; true medulla absent; hypothallus weakly developed, sparse,
pale orange-brown; soredia abundant, mostly
fine to medium sized, 40–100(−160) µm
diam., projecting hyphae absent. For more
details see Slavíková-Bayerová & Orange
(2006).
Chemistry. The usual chemotype contains
(1) atranorin, jackinic/rangiformic acid,
norjackinic/norrangiformic acid ± (minor),
angardianic/roccellic acid ± (minor) and
unknown anthraquinones ± (minor, in subthalline hyphae only); sometimes (2) stictic
and constictic acids have also been found,
but were interpreted as contamination by
Slavíková-Bayerová & Orange (2006). K+
yellowish, hyphae below thallus K+ purplered, C−, Pd− or + yellow.
Ecology and distribution. On siliceous rocks,
often between mosses; on rain-sheltered
damp surfaces. Europe (British Isles).
Discussion. According to molecular
studies, L. humida is a distinct taxon with
considerable intraspecific variability. It is
related to L. atlantica, thus, belonging to the
extended L. neglecta group (Fehrer et al.
2008). Morphologically similar species are
mentioned under L. jackii. Lepraria humida
is distinguished by its chemistry, especially
anthraquinones in subthalline hyphae, and
ecology. Anthraquinone producing species
are discussed under L. bergensis.
Slavíková-Bayerová & Orange (2006) also
reported L. sp. H which was said to be
morphologically and chemically identical to
L. humida but distinct in ITS sequences;
according to Fehrer et al. (2008), it is monophyletic, closely related to L. humida and
forms ‘L. atlantica group’ together with L.
atlantica and L. humida. Lepraria sp. H has
been reported growing on rain-sheltered siliceous rocks, moss and rarely bark in Western
to Central Europe. Slavíková-Bayerová &
Fehrer (2007) also added L. sp. BG with the
same morphological and chemical features,
growing on damp siliceous rock in Bulgaria.
See also discussion under L. jackii.
38
THE LICHENOLOGIST
Lepraria impossibilis Sipman
Herzogia 17: 30 (2004); type: El Salvador (B—holotype;
LAGU—isotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery to membranous;
margin delimited, lobes present, c. 1 mm wide
and long, with raised marginal rim; medulla
present, thin, white; hypothallus grey; soredia
abundant, medium sized, c. 0·1 mm diam.,
projecting hyphae absent. For more details
see Sipman (2004).
Chemistry. Diagnostic substances are lecanoric acid and pannaric acid 6-methylester;
accessories include 4-oxypannaric 6methylester, atranorin (trace), unidentified
anthraquinones and ‘vouauxii unknown 1’.
K− or + faint yellow, hyphae below thallus
K+ purplish, C+ more or less red, KC+ more
or less red, Pd− or + orange (Sipman 2004;
Flakus & Kukwa 2007).
Ecology and distribution. On bark, also on
terricolous and saxicolous mosses, soil, siliceous rock and schist; in forest or open areas.
South and Central America, Asia – Iran (M.
Sohrabi, pers. comm.).
Discussion. Lepraria cupressicola may be
morphologically very similar but lacks pannaric acid 6-methylester and contains fatty
acids. Species that can produce lecanoric acid
are discussed under L. cupressicola. Species
containing pannaric acid 6-methylester as
major substance are compared under L. vouauxii. Distinctly lobate species are discussed
under L. membranacea and L. bergensis.
Lepraria incana (L.) Ach.
Meth. Lich.: 4 (1803).—Byssus incana L., Sp. Pl. 2: 1169
(1753); type: United Kingdom, drawing in Dillenius,
Hist. Musc. tab. I fig. 3 (1742) (holotype); typotype: hb
Hist. Muse: tab. I no 3 (OXF).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse,
lobes absent; medulla sometimes present, usually poorly developed; hypothallus scarce;
soredia abundant, mostly fine, up to 50 µm
diam., projecting hyphae sometimes present,
short; consoredia sometimes present, up to
Vol. 41
110 µm. For further details see Laundon
(1992) and Tønsberg (1992).
Chemistry. Common chemotype (1): divaricatic acid, nordivaricatic acid ± (trace),
zeorin (rarely absent – Baruffo et al. 2006;
Leuckert et al. 1995) and atranorin ± (major
to trace); K− or + faint yellow, C−, KC−,
Pd−. Rare chemotype (2): with anthraquinones in addition to the aforementioned
substances: parietin, fallacinal, parietinic
acid and citreorosein; K+ purple-red, C−,
KC+ purple-red, Pd+ orange (Laundon
1992; Tønsberg 1992). Very rare accessories
include gyrophoric acid, lecanoric acid,
thamnolic acid and an unknown terpenoid (Laundon 1992; Leuckert et al. 1995;
Baruffo et al. 2006; Makarova et al. 2006).
Ecology and distribution. On bark, acidic
rock, and sometimes on mosses, wood and
soil; in more or less shaded places. Worldwide, except Arctic and Antarctic.
Discussion. Lepraria incana can be morphologically quite variable, sometimes forming
relatively loose cottony cushions and sometimes consisting of sparse or denser separate
soredia only. Species producing divaricatic
acid are discussed under L. crassissima. Lepraria caesiella and L. elobata are sometimes
morphologically similar but both these
species lack divaricatic acid.
Lepraria isidiata (Llimona) Llimona &
A. Crespo
in Wirth et al., Guía de Campo de los Líquenes, Musgos y
Hepáticas: 309 (2004).—L. crassissima var. isidiata
Llimona, in Vězda, Lich. Sel. Exs. Fasc. 47: 7 (1973);
type: Spain (BCC—holotype; isotypes distributed in
Vězda, Lich. Sel. Exs. Fasc. 47: 7 (1973).
Thallus crustose to subfoliose, membranous to granular; margin delimited, lobes
present, usually well-developed, margin
raised; hypothallus sometimes present, light
brownish; subcorticate patches may be
present; granules similar to true isidia abundant, sometimes not well separated at margin, very coarse, 0·32–0·54(−3) mm diam.,
2009
World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
compact outer layer present, projecting hyphae rare and short, granules often become
sorediate. For more details see Wirth et al.
(2004), Baruffo et al. (2006), Tretiach et al.
(2008).
Chemistry. Chemotype (1) with atranorin,
fumarprotocetraric and protocetraric acids
and roccellic acid ±; chemotype (2) with
atranorin and fumarprotocetraric acid and
roccellic acid ±; and chemotype (3) with
atranorin, protocetraric acid and roccellic
acid ± (Wirth et al. 2004; Crespo et al. 2006;
Baruffo et al. 2006). Chemotype (3) is rare
(Baruffo et al. 2006). K− or + yellow, C−,
KC− or + yellow, Pd+ reddish orange,
hypothallus Pd−.
Ecology and distribution. On calcareous soil
and rock (sometimes on mosses); in shaded
but well-lit places. Europe (Mediterranean
countries).
Discussion. The phylogenetic placement of
this taxon is mentioned under L. membranacea. Lepraria isidiata was historically described as L. crassissima var. isidiata Llimona
(Vězda 1973). Specimens of L. isidiata have
also been included in L. nivalis (Laundon
1992; Leuckert et al. 2004; Sipman & Raus
1999; Sipman 2004).
Species that can produce structures more
or less similar to isidia include L. crassissima
(divaricatic and nordivaricatic acids), L.
xerophila (pannaric acid 6-methylester or
rarely norascomatic acid), L. isidiata and L.
santosii. Lepraria isidiata and L. xerophila produce structures similar to true isidia having a
compact outer layer. Some chemotypes of L.
santosii are chemically distinguishable by the
stictic acid complex, while others are chemically similar to L. isidiata. Lepraria santosii
differs from L. isidiata morphologically
(coarse soredia without compact outer layer)
and ecologically (siliceous substrata).
Species producing protocetraric and/or
fumarprotocetraric acids are compared
under L. caesioalba. Distinctly lobate species
are discussed under L. membranacea and L.
bergensis.
39
Lepraria jackii Tønsberg
Sommerfeltia 14: 200 (1992); type: Norway (BG—
holotype; BM—isotype).
Lepraria toensbergiana Slav.-Bay & Kukwa, Bryologist
108: 132 (2005).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse
or delimited, lobes absent; true medulla absent; hypothallus sparse to continuous and
thick (epibryotic specimens), white; sometimes hypothallus exposed in places; soredia
abundant, fine to coarse, up to 160 µm
diam., projecting hyphae sometimes present,
short; consoredia sometimes present, up
to 160 µm diam. For further details see
Tønsberg (1992), Bayerová et al. (2005) and
Slavíková-Bayerová & Orange (2006).
Chemistry. Lepraria jackii sensu SlavíkováBayerová & Orange (2006) comprises specimens with atranorin and jackinic/rangiformic
acid as main compounds, and accessories
roccellic acid, norjackinic/norrangiformic
acid (minor) and toensbergianic acid (minor). Lepraria toensbergiana sensu Bayerová
et al. (2005) contains atranorin and toensbergianic acid. In the earlier, broader sense,
L. jackii included all chemotypes with atranorin and any of the fatty acid(s) mentioned
above, plus rarely also zeorin and/or minor
amounts of anthraquinones (Tønsberg 1992;
Leuckert et al. 1995; Baruffo et al. 2006, and
others). K− or + faint yellow, C−, KC−,
Pd−.
Ecology and distribution. On bark, sometimes mosses, wood, siliceous and neutral
rock, rarely on soil, plant debris or lichens;
mostly acidic substrata; usually in more
or less sheltered, relatively humid places.
Europe, North America, Asia, Australia (L.
toensbergiana – Central Europe).
Discussion. Recently L. toensbergiana was
separated from the morphologically identical
L. jackii on the basis of its chemistry (atranorin together with the newly described fatty
acid toensbergianic acid), ITS sequences and
montane distribution (Bayerová et al. 2005;
Bayerová & Haas 2005). However, Baruffo
et al. (2006) did not regard the differences
40
THE LICHENOLOGIST
sufficient and L. toensbergiana was reduced to
a synonym of L. jackii. Further evidence for
synonymizing L. toensbergiana with L. jackii
comes from the molecular phylogeny by
Fehrer et al. (2008). The monophyly of L.
toensbergiana and the small sequence difference between these taxa was confirmed
(similar to the intraspecific variability of
some other Lepraria species), however, the
two taxa formed a single clade on a highly
supported long branch of the phylogenetic
tree. Three further species, L. celata, L.
humida, and L. sylvicola were segregated
from L. jackii by Slavíková-Bayerová &
Orange (2006). According to molecular
studies, these taxa are distinct and not closely
related to L. jackii or to each other (Fehrer
et al. 2008). They are all morpologically similar to L. jackii, the chemical separation being
based on the contents of atranorin, different
fatty acids and anthraquinones in the subthalline hyphae.
Other morphologically similar species include L. atlantica, L. elobata and L. neojackii
which are chemically easily separable (see the
descriptions of these taxa).
Lepraria jackii s. lat. can be chemically
similar to several species: L. bergensis and L.
lobata (delimited thallus margin with lobes,
anthraquinones); L. borealis, L. caesioalba
and L. granulata (granular L. neglecta type
thallus); L. caesiella (zeorin, only rarely with
fatty acids); L. nivalis (one chemotype, usually thicker, cottony and has a delimited
thallus margin often with lobes); L. normandinoides (rare chemotype, marginal
lobes, thick dark hyphae below thallus);
L. pallida (lobes and well-developed dark
hypothallus); L. rigidula (nephrosteranic
acid, lax cottony thallus with long projecting
hyphae from soredia).
Vol. 41
but mostly not projecting hyphae, colourless
or in external parts often brown; consoredia
large, to 1 mm. For more details see
Tønsberg (2007).
Chemistry. Protocetraric acid, angardianic/
roccellic acid. Thallus K−, C−, KC−, PD+
orange (Tønsberg 2007).
Ecology and distribution. Mostly on rock,
and sometimes on soil or mosses; in dry to
rather wet overhangs and rock walls. Eastern
USA, montane.
Discussion. Several species produce protocetraric and/or fumarprotocetraric acids
(discussed under L. caesioalba). However, L.
lanata can be distinguished by its characteristic consoredia.
Lepraria lecanorica Tønsberg
in Nash, T. H. III, Ryan, B. D., Diederich, P., Gries, C.
& Bungartz, F. (eds), Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran
Desert Region 2: 326 (2004); type: USA (BG—holotype;
ASU—isotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery to membranous;
margin delimited, lobes sometimes present,
obscure; medulla present, indistinct to distinct, white; lower surface sometimes
present, white to pale brown, usually without
tomentum; soredia abundant, coarse, up to
200 µm diam., projecting hyphae sometimes
present, usually short. For more details see
Tønsberg (2004).
Chemistry. Lecanoric acid, atranorin
(major to minor). K− or + yellowish, C+ red,
KC+ red, Pd− (Tønsberg 2004).
Ecology and distribution. On bark, rock, soil;
in shaded places. North and South America.
Lepraria lanata Tønsberg
Opuscula Philolichenum 4: 51 (2007); type: USA (BG—
holotype; ASU, DUKE, NMW, NY—isotypes).
Thallus leprose, with characteristic woolly
consoredia; margin diffuse, lobes absent;
medulla absent; soredia abundant, all soredia
aggregated into consoredia, surrounded by
lax network of branching and anastomosing
Discussion. Species that can produce lecanoric acid are discussed under L. cupressicola.
Lepraria leprolomopsis Diederich &
Sérus.
in Aptroot, Diederich, Sérusiaux & Sipman, Bibl. Lichenol. 64: 76 (1997); type: Papua New Guinea (B— holotype; LG, hb. Diederich—isotypes).
2009
World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
Thallus leprose, powdery to cottony; margin usually delimited, lobes absent; medulla
present, distinct, white; hypothallus usually
present, poorly developed, white, lower
surface present, even, white, not or poorly
tomentose; soredia abundant, mostly medium sized, 75–125 µm diam., projecting
hyphae sometimes present; consoredia often
present, 150–300 µm. For more details see
Aptroot et al. (1997).
Chemistry. Atranorin, stictic, constictic,
cryptostictic, norstictic and connorstictic
acids and an unknown terpenoid. K+ yellow,
C−, KC−, Pd+ orange (Aptroot et al. 1997).
Ecology and distribution. On bark (also on
mosses). Australasia (Papua New Guinea).
Discussion. Species producing the stictic
acid complex and atranorin are discussed
under L. caesioalba. Lepraria leprolomopsis
may be morphologically similar to L. diffusa
(4-oxypannaric acid 2-methylester), L.
eburnea (alectorialic acid), L. lobificans (stictic acid complex plus zeorin), L. nylanderiana
(thamnolic acid), L. vouauxii (pannaric acid
6-methylester) and L. nivalis (discussed
under L. nivalis).
Lepraria leuckertiana (Zedda) L. Saag
comb. nov.
Lecanora leuckertiana Zedda, Nova Hedwigia 71: 108
(2000); type: Italy (B—holotype).
Thallus leprose, cottony and powdery to
granular; margin diffuse or delimited, lobes
usually minute, often obscure; medulla
present, well-developed, white; patches with
exposed medulla present, also medullary
hyphae intermixed with soredia; soredia
abundant, fine to coarse, up to 500 µm
diam., not well-separated from each other.
For more details see Zedda (2000a).
Chemistry. Usnic acid, zeorin and isousnic
acid (trace). K−, C−, KC−, Pd− (Zedda
2000a).
Ecology and distribution. On bark, sometimes on soil; in humid, open, well-lit places.
41
Europe, North Africa, South America
(Peru).
Discussion. Zedda (2000a) described Lecanora leuckertiana as very similar to Lepraria
vouauxii (pannaric acid 6-methylester, no
usnic acid), but provisionally included the
new species in Lecanora because of its chemistry. At that time, following the concept of
Laundon (1992, 2003), the genus Lepraria
did not contain any usnic acid-producing
species. However, Sipman (2003) placed the
newly described L. usnica with usnic acid in
Lepraria arguing that this character alone
is not sufficient for discrimination at the
generic level. Subsequently L. coriensis and
L. ecorticata were transferred from Lecanora
(Sipman 2004; Kukwa 2006a), and Lepraria
texta described as new (Knudsen & Elix
2008). Taking into account these developments, the authors considered the transfer
of L. leuckertiana appropriate. Even so, the
phylogenetic relationships of the aforementioned species should be clarified using
molecular methods in the future. Species
producing usnic acid and zeorin are compared under L. coriensis.
Lepraria lobata Elix & Kalb
in Elix, Mycotaxon 94: 220 (2005); type: Australia
(PERTH—holotype).
Thallus leprose, granular, partly membranous; margin usually delimited, lobes often
present and well-defined, 1–2 mm wide,
slightly to distinctly raised at margins;
medulla present, distinct, white; hypothallus
absent; sometimes only sparse soredia on
exposed medulla; soredia sparse to abundant,
fine, 20–75 µm diam., projecting hyphae
usually present, usually short; consoredia
common, up to 350 µm diam. For more
details see Elix (2005).
Chemistry. Atranorin, zeorin and a fatty
acid (rangiformic/jackinic or roccellic/
angardianic acid); rarely zeorin is present in
only a minor amount or very rarely it is
absent. Accessories include norrangiformic,
pallidic, conpallidic and ursolic acids and
an unknown dibenzofuran (minors), and
42
THE LICHENOLOGIST
3,7-di-O-methylstrepsilin,
fragilin,
7chloroemodin and 3’-demethylatranorin
(traces). K+ yellow, C−, Pd+ pale yellow
(Elix 2005).
Ecology and distribution. On bark, mosses
on rock and on soil; in sheltered places.
Australia.
Discussion. Lepraria lobata and L. pallida
both produce atranorin, zeorin and fatty
acids, and have lobes, but L. pallida has a
more membranous and rough appearance, a
well-developed ±dark hypothallus and thin
medulla, and contains unidentified fatty
acids; whereas L. lobata has a slightly thicker
thallus with a thicker medulla, is more green
in colour and has finer individual soredia
and larger consoredia, produces roccellic
or rangiformic acid and sometimes small
amounts of anthraquinones and unknown
dibenzofurans. However, the characters of
these species seem relatively similar.
Other species containing atranorin and
fatty acids are mentioned under L. jackii
and taxa with well-developed lobes under
L. membranacea.
Lepraria lobificans Nyl.
Flora 56: 196 (1873); type: France (H—lectotype;
BM—topotype).
Thallus leprose, cottony to rarely powdery;
margin usually diffuse, lobes rarely present,
weakly developed; medulla present, usually
thick, white; hypothallus rarely present,
scarce, pale brown; thallus surfaces without
soredia sometimes present, then medulla
exposed; soredia abundant, fine, up to 60 µm
diam., projecting hyphae present, long; consoredia abundant, up to 100(−200) µm. For
further details see Laundon (1992).
Chemistry. Atranorin, stictic acid, constictic acid, cryptostictic acid ± (variable
amounts, often major), norstictic acid ±
(trace) and zeorin; rare accessories include
roccellic/angardianic acid, an unidentified
fatty acid and an unidentified terpenoid
(Laundon 1992; Baruffo et al. 2006 and
others). Laundon (1992) reported another,
Vol. 41
rare chemotype that lacks zeorin. K− or +
yellow, C−, KC−, Pd+ orange.
Ecology and distribution. On bark or rock
(usually on mosses) and various other substrata; in shaded, sheltered places. Worldwide.
Discussion. Species producing the stictic
acid complex and atranorin are discussed
under L. caesioalba. For morphologically
similar species, see the discussion under
L. leprolomopsis. Lepraria incana (divaricatic
acid) is sometimes also morphologically
similar as both species can be quite variable.
Lepraria membranacea (Dicks.) Vain.
Acta Soc. Fauna Flora Fennica 49(2): 265 (1921).—
Lichen membranaceus Dicks., Fasc. Pl. Crypt. Brit. 2: 21
(1790); type: United Kingdom (BM ex K ex D
Turner—holotype).
Thallus crustose to subfoliose, leprose,
membranous; margin delimited, lobes
present, well-developed, wide, margin raised
or flat; medulla present, distinct, white; hypothallus present, usually well-developed, dark,
sometimes white along margin; thallus
surfaces without soredia sometimes present;
soredia abundant, sometimes not wellseparated at margin, fine to medium, up to
c. 100 µm diam., projecting hyphae sometimes present, short; consoredia often
present, up to c. 200 µm. For more details see
Laundon (1989).
Chemistry. Pannaric acid (major) with
satellite dibenzofurans (minors to traces),
roccellic/angardianic acid (rarely absent),
atranorin ± (major to trace) and very rarely
norstictic acid or zeorin (Laundon 1989;
Baruffo et al. 2006 and others). K− or +
yellow, C−, Pd+ reddish orange.
Ecology and distribution. On rock (also on
mosses), rarely on bark or soil; shaded to
sun-exposed, sheltered from rain. Worldwide but scattered.
Discussion. According to molecular studies
L. membranacea, L. vouauxii, L. xerophila, L.
2009
World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
bergensis, L. isidiata, L. santosii form a monophyletic group in Lepraria based on ITS
(Crespo et al. 2006; Tretiach et al. 2009),
most of these species having membranous
and lobed thalli (L. vouauxii only rarely
develops small lobes).
Lepraria membranacea is the oldest name
and the most widely distributed of the
strongly lobate Lepraria species. Species that
can form prominent lobes include L. bergensis
(anthraquinones, relatively small thallus), L.
coriensis (usnic acid and zeorin), L. cupressicola (lecanoric acid, atranorin and zeorin,
well-developed dark hypothallus), L. impossibilis (lecanoric and pannaric acids), L. isidiata (protocetraric and/or fumarprotocetraric
acids, coarse granules similar to true isidia),
L. lobata and L. pallida (atranorin, zeorin
and fatty acids, see the discussion under L.
lobata), L. membranacea (pannaric acid), L.
normandinoides (usually protocetraric and/or
fumarprotocetraric acids, soredia fine), L.
sipmaniana (pannaric acid 6-methylester,
thallus usually rather bright yellowish), L.
santosii (stictic or protocetraric and/or fumarprotocetraric acids, coarse soredia slightly
similar to isidia), L. squamatica (squamatic
acid, only rarely lobate) and L. xerophila
(usually pannaric acid 6-methylester, very
coarse structures similar to true isidia).
Lepraria multiacida Aptroot
Fungal Divers. 9: 20 (2002); type: Brazil (SP—holotype,
ABL—isotype).
Thallus leprose, granular; margin delimited, minute lobes often present, up to 0·5 mm
wide, thinner than the rest of the thallus,
without raised rims; medulla present, distinct,
white, sometimes blackened; sometimes
medullary hyphae also form hypothallus,
white to black; soredia abundant, coarse,
c. 100–200 µm diam., projecting hyphae
present, long. For more details see Aptroot
(2002).
Chemistry. Atranorin; usually zeorin together with 1–2 unknown terpenoids; constictic acid (major to minor); stictic,
cryptostictic and norstictic acids (all minor
to trace); salazinic acid (minor to trace);
43
3,7-O-methylstrepsilin (minor to trace);
7-O-methylstrepsilin, strepsilin and an unidentified dibenzofuran (all trace). K+ yellow
to orange, C−, KC− (Aptroot 2002; Elix &
Tønsberg 2004; Elix 2006a).
Ecology and distribution. On sandstone and
soil. South America (Brazil).
Discussion. The chemically and morphologically similar L. salazinica contains large
quantities of salazinic acid and lacks other
substances present in L. multiacida. Lepraria
crassissima and sometimes L. nivalis and L.
squamatica may be morphologically similar,
but differ in their chemistry. Species producing the stictic acid complex are discussed
under L. caesioalba (none of them contains
salazinic acid).
Lepraria neglecta (Nyl.) Erichsen
in Lettau, Feddes Repert. 61: 127 (1958).—Lecidea
neglecta Nyl., Not. Skällsk. Fauna Fl. Fenn. Förh. 4: 233
(1859); type: Finland (H—lectotype).
Thallus leprose, granular; margin usually
delimited, obscure minute lobes sometimes
present; medulla sometimes present, inconspicuous, white; hypothallus sometimes
present, poorly-developed, grey to brown;
rarely small patches with exposed medulla
present; soredia abundant, mostly coarse,
typically 100–150(−200) µm diam., projecting hyphae usually absent; consoredia frequent, typically 200–300 µm. For more
details see Laundon (1992).
Chemistry. Alectorialic acid and roccellic/
angardianic acid; rarely rangiformic acid
replaces roccellic/angardianic acid or very
rarely both fatty acids are present; rarely
atranorin (in variable amounts) occurs;
other accessories include norrangiformic
acid (minor to trace), 5,7-dihydroxy6-methylphthalide (minor to trace) and
barbatolic acid (trace). K− or + yellow, C−
or + reddish orange, KC+ pink or reddish orange, Pd+ lemon yellow or orange
(Laundon 1992; Leuckert et al. 1995 and
others). Kukwa (2006b) reported a very
rare chemotype without alectorialic acid,
44
THE LICHENOLOGIST
containing an unknown substance ‘neglecta
unknown’.
Ecology and distribution. On acidic rock
(usually on mosses), soil and rarely on bark,
epiphytic mosses and lichens; in exposed
places, mostly cool climate, montane-alpine
in tropics. Europe, North and South
America, Asia, Australasia, Antarctica,
Greenland.
Discussion. According to molecular
studies, L. neglecta belongs to the monophyletic ‘L. neglecta group’, see the discussion under L. alpina. Morphologically the
most similar species include L. borealis, L.
caesioalba and L. granulata, but these all differ
chemically. Alectorialic acid-producing
species are discussed under L. eburnea.
Lepraria neojackii Flakus & Kukwa
Lichenologist 39: 468 (2007); type: Bolivia (KRAM-L—
holotype; LPB, UGDA—isotypes).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse,
lobes absent; medulla absent but sometimes
with pseudomedulla of bleached soredia
mixed with hypothallus hyphae; hypothallus
usually present, whitish or orange in places;
soredia abundant, very fine, up to 20 µm
diam., projecting hyphae usually absent;
consoredia present, not prevalent, up to
40 µm diam. For further details see Flakus &
Kukwa (2007).
Chemistry. Porphyrilic acid, roccellic/
angardianic acid, rangiformic/jackinic acid
and an unidentified anthraquinone (Flakus
& Kukwa 2007).
Ecology and distribution. On mosses, humus
and rocks; in mountain cloud forest. South
America (Bolivia).
Discussion. Lepraria atlantica is chemically
and morphologically the most similar
species, but it contains atranorin together
with porphyrilic acid. Lepraria achariana
is also morphologically close but contains
lecanoric acid. Other similar species are mentioned under L. jackii.
Vol. 41
Lepraria nivalis J. R. Laundon
Lichenologist 24: 327 (1992); type: France (MARSSJ—
holotype).
Thallus leprose, cottony to powdery or
membranous; margin delimited or diffuse,
lobes absent or present; sometimes welldeveloped and with raised marginal rim;
medulla usually present, often exposed in
places, usually thick, white; lower surface
sometimes with distinct brown tomentum;
soredia abundant, variably sized, up to 300
µm diam., projecting hyphae usually present,
short to long. For more details see the references below.
Chemistry. Leuckert et al. (2004) distinguished 6 chemotypes in L. nivalis s. lat; a
classification was complemented by Baruffo
et al. (2006). Chemotype (1) atranorin, protocetraric acid; (2) atranorin, protocetraric
acid, roccellic acid; (3) atranorin, fumarprotocetraric acid (major to trace), protocetraric
acid (major to trace); (4) atranorin, stictic
and constictic acids, cryptostictic acid ±
(trace), norstictic acid ± (trace); (5) atranorin, stictic, constictic and roccellic acids,
cryptostictic acid ± (trace), norstictic acid ±
(trace); (6) atranorin, psoromic acid, 2’-Odemethylpsoromic acid (trace). In addition, Zedda (2000b) reported a chemotype
(7) with atranorin and roccellic acid only.
Laundon (1992) reported gyrophoric acid as
a very rare accessory; Baruffo et al. (2006)
detected atranorin, protocetraric acid, virensic acid and strepsilin dimethyl ester in a
single specimen; Sipman (2004) reported a
specimen with protocetraric and roccellic
acid without atranorin. Chemotypes 1–5: K−
or + yellow, C−, KC− or + yellow, Pd+ reddish orange; chemotype 6: K− or + yellow,
C−, KC− or + yellow, Pd+ yellow; chemotype 7: K− or + yellow, C−, KC−, Pd−.
Ecology and distribution. On limestone (also
on mosses), sometimes on soil, rarely on bark
or siliceous rock; in mostly shaded places.
Europe, North America, Asia, Australasia
(Papua New Guinea), Greenland (tentatively reported by Saag et al. 2007). Most
2009
World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
45
common in Mediterranean areas and southern Europe.
60 µm diam., projecting hyphae absent. For
more details see Lendemer & Harris (2007).
Discussion. Lepraria nivalis is very heterogeneous both chemically and morphologically, and possibly includes different taxa
(Baruffo et al. 2006; Crespo et al. 2006).
Chemotype (4) represents ‘isidioid’ morphology and agrees with the description of some
chemotypes of L. santosii. Chemotype (5)
includes both ‘isidioid’ and ‘non-isidioid’
morphs and the ‘isidioid’ morphotype also
has an affinity with L. santosii. The ‘isidioid’
representatives of the chemotype (3) belong
to L. isidiata according to the present taxonomy (Baruffo et al. 2006) while the less
warted and softer specimens are left in L.
nivalis.
Lepraria crassissima (divaricatic and nordivaricatic acids), L. lobificans (stictic acid
complex and zeorin) and especially L. nylanderiana (thamnolic acid) are morphologically
similar. Chemotype 7 included by Zedda
(2000b) is chemically identical to L. borealis,
which has a granular thallus. Morphological
characters for separating non-lobate forms
of L. nivalis and L. leprolomopsis seem to be
limited. Lepraria leprolomopsis has been found
on mossy bark, has a white lower surface and
produces a terpenoid, whereas L. nivalis is
associated with calcareous rock and soil,
sometimes has a brown tomentum under the
thallus and terpenoids are absent. Other
similar species are mentioned under L. leprolomopsis. Species producing the stictic acid
complex and atranorin, or protocetraric
and/or fumarprotocetraric acids are discussed under L. caesioalba.
Chemistry. Common chemotype (1): atranorin, protocetraric acid, virensic acid
(trace), roccellic acid; rare chemotype (2):
atranorin, fumarprotocetraric acid, protocetraric acid (minor to trace), roccellic acid;
very rare chemotype (3): atranorin, roccellic
acid. Chemotypes (1) & (2): K+ yellow, C−,
KC+ yellowish, Pd+ orange; chemotype
(3): K+ yellow, C−, KC+ yellowish, Pd−
(Lendemer & Harris 2007).
Lepraria normandinoides Lendemer &
R. C. Harris
Opuscula Philolichenum 4: 45 (2007); type: USA (NY—
holotype; isotypes distributed in Lichens of Eastern North
America V: 221).
Thallus leprose, membranous; margin delimited, lobes usually well developed, with
marginal rim; medulla present, whitish; lower
surface pale, with thick brown tomentum
of thick hyphae; soredia abundant, fine, 30–
Ecology and distribution. On acidic rock and
bark; in semi-shaded more or less humid
places. Eastern North America.
Discussion. Morphologically similar species
are discussed under L. bergensis and L. membranacea. Species producing protocetraric
and/or fumarprotocetraric acids are compared under L. caesioalba.
Lepraria nylanderiana Kümmerl. &
Leuckert
Biblioth. Lichenol. 58: 250 (1995); type: Italy (B—
holotype).
Thallus leprose, cottony to powdery or
membranous; margin delimited, minute lobes
present in well-developed specimens, without raised rims; medulla usually present,
whitish; conspicuous greyish hypothallus
present in well-developed specimens; thallus
surfaces without soredia often present, then
medulla exposed; soredia abundant, medium
to coarse, up to 300 µm diam., projecting
hyphae usually present, short. For more details see Leuckert et al. (1995).
Chemistry. Thamnolic acid, decarboxythamnolic acid (trace), roccellic acid and
rarely atranorin (trace). K+ lemon yellow,
C−, KC−, Pd+ orange-yellow (Leuckert
et al. 1995; Baruffo et al. 2006 and others).
Ecology and distribution. On soil, mosses,
siliceous rocks and sometimes bark. Europe
(Mediterranean area, Central Europe, Great
Britain).
46
THE LICHENOLOGIST
Discussion. Morphologically the most similar species is L. nivalis but it contains no
thamnolic acid. Further morphologically
similar species are discussed under L. leprolomopsis. For species producing thamnolic
acid, see under L. aurescens.
Lepraria obtusatica Tønsberg
Sommerfeltia 14: 204 (1992); type: Norway (BG—
holotype; DUKE, E—isotypes).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse,
lobes absent; medulla usually absent; rarely
soredia mixed with some medullary hyphae;
soredia abundant, very fine, up to 35 µm
diam., very fragile; consoredia sometimes
present, up to 50 µm diam. For more details
see Tønsberg (1992).
Vol. 41
unidentified substances ± (traces) (Sipman
2004; Flakus & Kukwa 2007). K+ pale yellow, C−, KC−, Pd+ yellow to orange.
Ecology and distribution. On bark, sandstone and soil. South America, Africa
(Seychelles, Madagascar).
Discussion. Lepraria cupressicola (lecanoric
acid) and L. impossibilis (dibenzofurans) also
have a developed hypothallus and lobes
but L. pallida is more granular and harder.
Lepraria lobata has a similar chemistry and
lobes, see under L. lobata. Other species with
distinct lobes are discussed under L. membranacea and taxa with atranorin, zeorin and
fatty acids under L. jackii.
Lepraria pulchra Orange & Wolseley
Chemistry and distribution. Obtusatic acid,
an unidentified pigment, barbatic acid ±
(trace). K−, C−, KC−, Pd+ yellow (Tønsberg
1992; Makarova et al. 2006).
Ecology and distribution. On bark; in shaded
places. Europe, Australia; scattered.
Discussion. According to molecular
studies, L. obtusatica does not belong to the
genus Lepraria (Ekman & Tønsberg 2002). It
is chemically unique by producing obtusatic
acid.
Lepraria pallida Sipman
Herzogia 17: 33 (2004); type: Brazil (B—holotype, SP—
isotype).
Thallus leprose, granular to partly membranous; margin usually delimited, lobes
present in places, often well-developed, 0·52 mm wide and long, with raised marginal
rim; medulla present, thin, white; hypothallus
sometimes well-developed, tomentose, grey
to black; soredia sometimes not well-separated
from each other, forming a smoother surface towards margin, abundant, medium,
c. 0·1 mm diam. For more details see Sipman
(2004).
Chemistry. Atranorin, zeorin, unidentified
fatty acids, unidentified terpenoids ± and
Lichenologist 37: 249 (2005); type: Thailand (BM—
holotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery to membranous;
margin delimited, with raised irregularly indented rim, sometimes small and indistinct
lobes present, without raised rims; medulla
present, thin to medium, whitish; lower
surface smooth, white; soredia abundant to
sparse in places, medium to coarse, 80–
140 µm diam., projecting hyphae usually
present, abundant, very short (10–20 µm,
rarely to 60 µm), often soredia not separated
from each other, especially in thallus centre.
For further details see Orange & Wolseley
(2005).
Chemistry. Thamnolic acid. K+ bright yellow, C−, KC−, Pd+ orange-yellow (Orange
& Wolseley 2005).
Ecology and distribution. On bark; in sheltered places, dry forest. Asia (Thailand).
Discussion. Species producing thamnolic
acid are compared under L. aurescens.
Lepraria rigidula (B. de Lesd.)
Tønsberg
Sommerfeltia 14: 205 (1992).—Crocynia rigidula B. de
Lesd., in Hue, Bull. Soc. Bot. France 71: 331 (1924);
type: United Kingdom (E—holotype).
2009
World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
Thallus leprose, cottony to powdery; margin diffuse, lobes absent; medulla sometimes
present, poorly to well developed, lax, white;
soredia abundant, mostly fine, sometimes
coarse, up to 60(−100) µm diam., projecting
hyphae present, very long or long at least on
some soredia (up to 120 µm); consoredia
sometimes present, up to 300 µm diam. For
more details see Tønsberg (1992) and
Kukwa (2006b).
Chemistry. Atranorin and nephrosteranic
acid (Tønsberg 1992 and others). Very rarely
unidentified anthraquinones (Flakus &
Kukwa 2007). K− or + faint yellow, C−,
KC−, Pd−.
Ecology and distribution. On bark, also on
mosses, rarely on rock, soil, wood and
lichens; in both shaded and open places.
Europe, North America, Asia, northern
Africa.
Discussion. Taxa with atranorin, zeorin
and fatty acids are discussed under L. jackii.
Lepraria rigidula is unique in producing a rare
fatty acid, nephrosteranic acid, and characteristic soredia. It was regarded as a synonym
of L. alpina [sub nomine Leproloma cacuminum
by Laundon (1992)], but was resurrected as
a separate species by Tønsberg (1992).
Lepraria salazinica Tønsberg
Opuscula Philolichenum 4: 52 (2007); type: USA (BG—
holotype; DUKE—isotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery to granular;
margin diffuse, lobes absent; medulla absent;
soredia abundant to scattered, very fine, to
30 µm diam., projecting hyphae absent; consoredia present, up to 50 µm, a few aggregations larger. For more details see Tønsberg
(2007).
Chemistry. Atranorin, salazinic acid,
roccellic/angardianic acid. K+ yellow turning
red, C−, KC−, Pd+ orange (Tønsberg
2007).
Ecology and distribution. On rock; under
rock overhangs. Eastern USA, montane.
47
Discussion. Lepraria salazinica is best characterized by the production of salazinic acid.
Lepraria multiacida also produces salazinic
acid (only minor amounts in addition to
other substances), but has a thick thallus with
a dark hypothallus.
Lepraria santamonicae K. Knudsen &
Elix
Bryologist 110: 115 (2007); type: USA (holotype—UCR;
isotypes—ASU, BM, CANB, H, NY, hb. Lendemer).
Thallus leprose, powdery (minutely granular); margin diffuse, lobes absent; medulla
absent, but sometimes a white pseudomedullary layer of gelatinized hyphae
present; soredia abundant, fine, 30–50 µm
diam., projecting hyphae absent, but occasionally with thin colourless hyphae, some
soredia not well-separated from each other.
For more details see Knudsen & Elix (2007).
Chemistry. Argopsin, norargopsin (major
to minor). K−, C−, KC−, Pd− or Pd+ orange
to orange-red (Knudsen & Elix 2007).
Ecology and distribution. On rock or soil,
mostly siliceous substrata; in open, sometimes exposed places; a pioneer species.
North America (California, USA).
Discussion. Lepraria santamonicae is unique
in containing argopsin as the major secondary compound. Leparaia coriensis may also
contain argopsin, but only in minor amounts
in addition to usnic acid.
Lepraria santosii Argüello & A. Crespo
in Crespo et al., Lichenologist 38: 218 (2006); type:
Canary Islands (MAF—holotype; BG, GZU—
isotypes).
Thallus leprose to subfoliose, membranous
to granular; margin delimited, lobes present,
distinct, with raised marginal rim; hypothallus
sometimes present, usually poorly developed, light brownish; soredia abundant, fine
to very coarse, (20–)220–340(−650) µm
diam., projecting hyphae present, can be
long, very coarse soredia slightly resemble
48
THE LICHENOLOGIST
isidia but lack compact outer layer and have
projecting hyphae instead. For more details
see Crespo et al. (2006) and Tretiach et al.
(2008).
Chemistry. Crespo et al. (2006) reported
chemotype (1) atranorin, stictic acid, constictic and norstictic acids (traces), zeorin
and roccellic acid. K+ yellow to brownish,
C−, KC−, Pd+ orange. Tretiach et al. (2009)
added more chemotypes: (2) atranorin,
stictic and constictic acids and an unknown
substance (UV 366 pink); (3) atranorin,
stictic and constictic acids and roccellic acid;
(4) atranorin, stictic and constictic acids,
protocetraric or fumarprotocetraric acid (not
both) and roccellic acid; (5) atranorin, protocetraric acid and roccellic acid; (6) atranorin,
protocetraric and fumarprotocetraric acids
and roccellic acid; (7) atranorin, fumarprotocetraric acid and roccellic acid. In addition,
they found thamnolic and/or gyrophoric
acids as rare accessories in chemotype 3.
Ecology and distribution. On siliceous soil
and rock and also basalt; in shaded places.
Europe (Mediterranean countries) and
Canary Islands.
Discussion. According to molecular
studies, L. santosii is close to L. isidiata and L.
bergensis, and has considerable intraspecific
variability (Crespo et al. 2006; Tretiach et al.
2009), see also the discussion under L. membranacea. Previously, the specimens corresponding to the description of L. santosii were
included in L. nivalis (discussed under L.
nivalis). Other species producing more or less
isidia-like structures are compared under L.
isidiata. Several species produce the stictic
acid complex and atranorin, or protocetraric
and/or fumarprotocetraric acids, see under
L. caesioalba.
Lepraria sipmaniana (Kümmerl. &
Leuckert) Kukwa
Ann. Bot. Fenn. 39: 226 (2002).—Leproloma sipmanianum Kümmerl. & Leuckert, in Leuckert &
Kümmerling, Nova Hedwigia 52: 27 (1991); type: South
Africa (B—holotype).
Vol. 41
Thallus leprose to subfoliose, membranous; margin delimited to diffuse in places,
lobes present, well developed, often over
2 mm wide, with raised marginal rim; medulla
present, thin, white; hypothallus sometimes
present, inconspicuous, brownish; soredia
sparse in places, exposing smooth ecorticate
surface, especially near margins, soredia fine
to coarse, 40–200 µm diam., projecting hyphae rarely present, short. For more details
see Leuckert & Kümmerling (1991).
Chemistry. The diagnostic substance is
pannaric acid 6-methylester; accessories include oxypannaric acid 6-methylester,
4-oxypannaric acid 6-methylester, pannaric
acid, 7-chloroemodin, fragilin, A01anthrone, parietin, emodin and ‘vouauxii unknown 1’ sensu Tønsberg (1992) (Leuckert &
Kümmerling 1991; Flakus & Kukwa 2007
and others). Thallus K+ reddish brown or
yellowish, hyphae below thallus K+ purple to
brownish red, C± yellowish, KC+ reddish
brown or yellowish, Pd+ pink.
Ecology and distribution. On soil, rock, bark
and mosses; in mostly exposed, well-lit
places. South America, Central America,
Asia (Sri Lanka, Taiwan), Africa.
Discussion. Morphologically similar species
are discussed under L. bergensis and L.
membranacea. Species with pannaric acid
6-methylester as a major substance are compared under L. vouauxii.
Lepraria squamatica Elix
Australasian Lichenology 58: 20 (2006); type: Australia
(CANB—holotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin delimited to diffuse, lobes absent or present, sometimes well-defined, up to 1 mm wide and
with raised margin; true medulla absent;
hypothallus sometimes present, thin, lax,
white, exposed in places; soredia abundant to
sparse in places, very fine, 15–40 µm diam.,
projecting hyphae present, variable, some
very long, soredia well separated from each
other; consoredia common to scarce, 150–
200 µm. For more details see Elix (2006a).
2009
World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
Chemistry. Elix (2006a) described a
chemotype (1) with squamatic and baeomycesic acids (major to minor), an unknown
fatty acid (major to minor) and trace accessories barbatic, protocetraric, subsquamatic,
subbaeomycesic and hypothamnolic acids.
Flakus & Kukwa (2007) reported additional
accessory traces of unidentified substances
that were interpreted as contamination. K+
yellow, C−, Pd+ yellow.
Ecology and distribution. On bark, wood
and rock; in more or less shaded, mostly
humid places. South America (Bolivia –
Flakus & Kukwa 2007), Australia.
Discussion. Lepraria squamatica does not
have very characteristic morphology but is
unique in producing squamatic and baeomycesic acids. Species producing protocetraric
and/or fumarprotocetraric acids are discussed under L. caesioalba. Species with
well-defined lobes are compared under L.
membranacea.
Lepraria straminea Vain.
in Résult. Voyage S. Y. Belgica, Botan.: 40 (1903); type:
Antarctica (TUR—syntypes).
Thallus crustose-leprose, granular; margin
mostly delimited; lobes absent; cortex present
on soredia; medulla absent; soredia abundant,
coarse, 130–160 µm diam., projecting hyphae absent. For more details see Øvstedal &
Lewis-Smith (2001).
49
Lepraria sylvicola Orange
in Slavíková-Bayerová & Orange, Lichenologist 38: 507
(2006); type: United Kingdom (NMW—holotype; BG,
PRA—isotypes; GenBank accession no. DQ401102).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse
or delimited, lobes absent or obscure and
poorly developed; true medulla absent; hypothallus sparse, pale orange-brown; soredia
abundant, fine to coarse, 40–160 µm diam.,
projecting hyphae rarely present, short. For
further details see Slavíková-Bayerová &
Orange (2006).
Chemistry.
Atranorin,
roccellic/
angardianic acid, toensbergianic acid, an
unknown anthraquinone ± (minor, in subthalline hyphae only). K+ yellowish (subthalline hyphae K+ purple-red), C−, Pd−
or + yellow (Slavíková-Bayerová & Orange
2006).
Ecology and distribution. On neutral to
slightly acidic bark, especially oak, sometimes on rock; on more or less sheltered
surfaces, especially in mature well-lit woodland. Europe (British Isles, France) (Kukwa
& Diederich 2007).
Discussion. According to molecular
studies, L. sylvicola is a distinct monophyletic
taxon (Fehrer et al. 2008). Apart from L.
sylvicola, only L. jackii also produces toensbergianic acid. For other similar species, see
the discussion under L. jackii.
Chemistry. Usnic acid and zeorin. K−, C−,
KC−, Pd− (Øvstedal & Lewis Smith 2001).
Lepraria texta K. Knudsen, Elix &
Lendemer
Ecology and distribution. On mosses and
peaty soil; in open habitats. Antarctica,
endemic.
in Nash III, T. H., Gries, C. & Bungartz, F. (eds), Lichen
Flora of the Greater Sonoran Desert Region 3: 387 (2008);
type: USA (UCR—holotype; ASU, B, CANB, H, PH,
UGDA—isotype).
Discussion. Lepraria straminea is characterized by a granular, L. neglecta-like thallus
without lobes and medulla, and also by the
corticate soredia. According to Øvstedal &
Lewis-Smith (2001), it only dubiously belongs to Lepraria. Species with usnic acid and
zeorin are discussed under L. coriensis.
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse,
lobes absent; medulla absent; hypothallus
sometimes present, distinct, whitish; soredia
abundant, fine, up to 50 µm diam., projecting hyphae present, short, some soredia not
well separated from each other. For more
details see Knudsen & Elix (2008).
50
THE LICHENOLOGIST
Chemistry. Usnic acid, zeorin (minor),
atranorin (major to minor) and roccellic/
angardianic acid (minor). K± yellow, C−,
KC± yellow, Pd− (Knudsen & Elix 2008).
Ecology and distribution. On rock. North
America (California, USA).
Discussion. Taxa that produce usnic acid
and zeorin are discussed under L. coriensis.
Lepraria toilenae Kantvilas & Kukwa
Muelleria 23: 3 (2006); type: Tasmania (HO—holotype;
BG, BM, UGDA—isotypes).
Thallus leprose, powdery to cottony; margin diffuse (except young colonies), lobes
absent; true medulla absent; hypothallus very
well-developed, thick, white or rarely pale
greyish; sometimes only sparse soredia on
exposed hypothallus; soredia sparse to abundant, fine, 16–40 µm diam., projecting hyphae usually absent; consoredia sometimes
present, up to c. 80 µm diam. More details in
Kantvilas & Kukwa (2006).
Chemistry. Malonprotocetraric, fumarprotocetraric and roccellic acids, protocetraric
acid (minor) and confumarprotocetraric acid
(trace). K−, C−, KC−, Pd+ red (Kantvilas &
Kukwa 2006).
Ecology and distribution. On bark, often
slightly burnt; in high humidity, old forest,
dry bark. Australia (Tasmania).
Discussion. The production of the rare substance malonprotocetraric acid in large
quantities makes L. toilenae unique. Characteristic morphological features are the fine
soredia on thick whitish hypothallus and the
lack of lobes. Species producing protocetraric and/or fumarprotocetraric acids are
compared under L. caesioalba.
Lepraria umbricola Tønsberg
Sommerfeltia 14: 206 (1992); type: Norway (BG—
holotype).
Vol. 41
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse,
lobes absent; medulla very rarely present, thin,
white; hypothallus absent; soredia abundant to
scattered, fine, up to 60 µm diam., projecting
hyphae rarely present, short. For more
details see Tønsberg (1992).
Chemistry. Thamnolic acid, atranorin ±,
roccellic/angardianic acid ± (major to trace)
and decarboxythamnolic acid ± (trace). K+
lemon yellow, C−, KC−, Pd+ orange-yellow
(Tønsberg 1992; Leuckert et al. 1995;
Baruffo et al. 2006 and others).
Ecology and distribution. On bark, rock,
mosses and soil, mostly acidic substrata;
shaded, sheltered, humid, sometimes extremely shaded. Europe, Africa (Macaronesia).
Discussion. Lepraria umbricola may be similar to several powdery, unstratified and
green-coloured species, for example, L. ecorticata, but is distinguished by producing
thamnolic acid. Species producing thamnolic acid are discussed under L. aurescens.
Lepraria usnica Sipman
Biblioth. Lichenol. 86: 179 (2003); type: Singapore (B—
holotype, SINU—isotype).
Thallus leprose, powdery; margin diffuse
or delimited, lobes sometimes present, mostly
less than 0·5 mm wide, usually without a rim;
medulla usually present, thin to medium,
white to pale yellowish; soredia abundant,
mostly medium sized, 70–100 µm diam.,
projecting hyphae usually absent. For more
details see Sipman (2003, 2004).
Chemistry. Three chemotypes were distinguished by Elix (2006b): (1) usnic acid,
zeorin, contortin (minor), placodiolic acid
(trace), hopane-16,22-diol (major to minor) and isousnic acid (minor to trace); (2)
usnic acid, zeorin, contortin (minor), placodiolic acid (trace), isousnic acid ± (trace) and
roccellic acid ± (trace); (3) usnic acid, zeorin,
contortin (minor), placodiolic acid (trace),
isousnic acid (minor to trace), atranorin
2009
World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
51
(minor) and chloratranorin (minor). In
addition, Sipman (2003) reported 5-chloro3–0-methylnorlichexanthone
and
5,7dichloro-3–0-methylnorlichexanthone
as
trace accessories. K−, C± yellow to orange,
KC± yellow to orange, Pd−.
(e) very rarely unidentified anthraquinones;
(f) ‘vouauxii unknown 1’ and very rarely
‘vouauxii unknown 2’ (Tønsberg 1992; Elix
& Tønsberg 2004 and others). K− or + faint
yellow, C−, KC−, Pd+ reddish orange or
Pd− (soredia).
Ecology and distribution. On rock, bark
and soil; in shaded places. Central and
South America, Australia, southern and
south-eastern Asia (Singapore, Sri Lanka),
southern Africa, tropical.
Ecology and distribution. Substratum indifferent, on mosses, bark, rock, soil and
lichens; in mostly shaded and sheltered, but
also open and exposed places. Worldwide.
Discussion. Taxa that produce usnic acid
and zeorin are discussed under L. coriensis. In
a molecular study Nelsen et al. (2008, in
press) showed that L. usnica belongs to the
Pilocarpaceae (Lecanorales), thus being distant from Lepraria.
Lepraria vouauxii (Hue) R. C. Harris
In Egan, Bryologist 90: 163 (1987).—Crocynia vouauxii
Hue, Bull. Soc. Bot. France 71: 392 (1924); type: France
(BM—lectotype).
Thallus leprose, cottony to powdery; margin diffuse to delimited, sometimes obscure
lobes present, without raised rims; medulla
usually present, usually thick, white; hypothallus sometimes present, brownish, often
poorly developed; often medulla exposed
between soredia; soredia abundant, mostly
coarse, up to 100 µm diam., projecting hyphae often present, short; consoredia often
present, up to 300 µm; thallus characters
rather variable. More details in Laundon
(1989) and Tønsberg (2004).
Chemistry. The diagnostic substance is
pannaric acid 6-methylester. Accessories
include (a) dibenzofurans (mostly minor
to trace): oxypannaric acid 6-methylester,
4-oxypannaric acid 6-methylester, 4oxypannaric acid 2-methylester, pannaric
acid, pannaric acid 2-methylester, methyl
porphyrilate and porphyrilic acid; (b) fatty
acids (major to trace): roccellic/angardianic
or rarely rangiformic acid; (c) p-depsides:
rarely atranorin (major to trace), very rarely
gyrophoric or lecanoric acids (mostly minor
to trace); (d) terpenoids: very rarely zeorin;
Discussion. Phylogenetic placement is
mentioned under L. membranacea. Several
species may have similar thalli, for example,
L. crassissima, L. diffusa, L. eburnea, L. gelida,
L. leuckertiana, L. leprolomopsis, L. lobificans,
L. nivalis and L. nylanderiana, for differences see under these taxa, especially L.
leprolomopsis.
Species
containing
pannaric
acid
6-methylester as major substance include L.
impossibilis (lecanoric acid, distinct lobes,
relatively soft thallus), L. sipmaniana (distinct lobes, relatively soft thallus), L. vouauxii
(sometimes obscure lobes, relatively soft
thallus) and L. xerophila (distinct lobes and
isidia-like structures, soredia absent or few,
thallus hard).
Lepraria xerophila Tønsberg
In Nash, T. H. III, Ryan, B. D., Diederich, P., Gries, C.
& Bungartz, F. (eds.), Lichen Flora of the Greater Sonoran
Desert Region 2: 326 (2004); type: Mexico (ASU—
holotype; BG, DUKE—isotypes).
Thallus crustose to subfoliose or squamulose, membranous, slightly granular; margin
delimited, obscurely to distinctly lobed, with
marginal rim up to 0·5 mm thick; subcorticate patches may be present; medulla usually
present, distinct in thick specimens, white;
hypothallus absent, lower surface whitish
grey; soredia few or absent; numerous large
granules or lobules similar to isidia present,
compact outer layer present. For more
details see Tønsberg (2004).
Chemistry. Common chemotype (1): pannaric acid 6-methylester, rangiformic and/or
roccellic acid; atranorin (minor to trace),
52
THE LICHENOLOGIST
methyl porphyrilate ± (minor to trace),
porphyrilic acid ± (trace), pannaric acid ±
(trace) and an unknown dibenzofuran
(trace); K−, C−, KC−, Pd− or + orange;
rare chemotype (2): norascomatic acid plus
minor to trace amounts of strepsilin, isostrepsilic acid, atranorin and chloratranorin;
K− or + pale yellow, C− or + pale yellow,
KC− or + green becoming brown, Pd−
(Tønsberg 2004, Elix & Tønsberg 2004).
Ecology and distribution. On soil, rarely rock
or wood; in dry places. Europe, North
America, arid areas.
Discussion. Phylogenetic placement and
other lobate species are mentioned under L.
membranacea. Species containing pannaric
acid 6-methylester as major substances are
discussed under L. vouauxii. Species producing isidia-like structures are compared under
L. isidiata.
Lepraria yunnaniana (Hue) Zahlbr.
in Handel-Mazzetti, Symbolae Sinicae 3: 244 (1930).—
Crocynia yunnaniana Hue, Bull. Soc. Bot. France 71: 396
(1924); type: China (PC−holotype; BM—isotype).
Lepraria nigrocincta Diederich, Sérus & Aptroot, in
Aptroot, Diederich, Sérusiaux & Sipman, Bibl. Lichenol.
64: 78 (1997).
Vol. 41
Thallus leprose, of cottony hypothallus and
powdery soredia; margin usually delimited,
lobes usually absent, rarely indistinct; medulla
sometimes present, white; hypothallus thick,
very lax, blackish brown or whitish, of
thick hyphae; hypothallus exposed between
soredia; soredia scattered, fine, 30–70 µm
diam., projecting hyphae sometimes present;
consoredia often present, 75–125 µm. For
further details see Aptroot et al. (1997) and
Laundon (2008).
Chemistry. Divaricatic acid and nordivaricatic acid (trace). K−, C− or + pinkish, KC+
pink, Pd− (Aptroot et al. 1997).
Ecology and distribution. On bark (also on
mosses). South America (Ecuador, Nöske
et al. 2007), Asia (China), Africa (Burundi),
Australasia (New Guinea), montane.
Discussion. Lepraria yunnaniana usually
looks different from other Lepraria species
because of the very thick and loose, dark
hypothallus, which is the dominant part of
the thallus, with only a loose cover of scattered soredia. Species producing divaricatic
acid are discussed under L. crassissima.
Species with a similar dark hypothallus are
mentioned under L. cupressicola.
Key to the species of Lepraria*
1
Protocetraric acid and/or fumarprotocetraric acid present . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Protocetraric acid and/or fumarprotocetraric acid absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2(1)
All soredia aggregated into coarse consoredia (up to 1 mm diam.), surrounded by a
conspicuous lax network of branching and anastomosing but mostly not projecting hyphae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. lanata
Soredia different . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3(2)
Thick weft of thick brown hyphae on the lower surface of thallus; soredia fine (30–
60 µm diam.), lobes distinct . . . . . . . . . L. normandinoides chem. 1 & 2
Thick weft of thick brown hyphae absent (however, hypothallus or medulla may be
well developed); soredia fine or coarse, lobes absent or present . . . . . . . . 4
4(3)
Medulla or hypothallus well developed, thallus soft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Medulla and hypothallus poorly developed or absent, thallus soft or hard . . . . 6
*chem. – chemotype; couplets 68–70 adapted from Slavíková-Bayerová & Orange (2006).
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World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
53
5(4)
Malonprotocetraric acid present, soredia and consoredia fine (up to c. 80 µm diam.)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. toilenae
Malonprotocetraric acid absent, soredia variably sized (up to c. 300 µm diam.) . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. nivalis chem. 1–3
6(4)
Thallus powdery, soredia very fine (up to 30 µm, consoredia up to 60 µm) . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. friabilis
Thallus granular or membranous, soredia or thallus granules (similar to isidia)
mostly coarse (predominantly >100 µm diam.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7(6)
Thallus distinctly lobate, with thick raised marginal rim, lobes >0·5 mm wide . . 8
Thallus without lobes or obscure minute lobes present without thick raised rim . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. caesioalba var. caesioalba chem. 1
8(7)
Structures similar to true isidia with compact outer layer present, projecting hyphae
absent; granules mostly 320–540 µm diam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L. isidiata
Structures slightly similar to isidia may be present but compact outer layer absent,
numerous projecting hyphae present, soredia mostly 220–340 µm diam. . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. santosii chem. 4–7
9(1)
Stictic acid complex present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Stictic acid complex absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
10(9)
Terpenoids present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Terpenoids absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
11(10) Thallus distinctly lobate, with raised marginal rim, lobes over 0·5 mm wide . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. santosii chem. 1
Thallus without lobes or lobes poorly developed, without marginal rim . . . . 12
12(11) More than one terpenoid and minor amounts of salazinic acid present; soredia coarse
(up to 200 µm diam.), with long projecting hyphae . . . . . . . L. multiacida
Mostly only one terpenoid present, salazinic acid absent; soredia not coarse or if
coarse then projecting hyphae short or absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
13(12) Medulla distinct, conspicuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Medulla absent or inconspicuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
14(13) Soredia with long projecting hyphae, loosely packed and soft, mostly fine to medium
sized (30–100 µm diam.); thallus greenish; zeorin present . . . . L. lobificans
Projecting hyphae short or absent, soredia harder, medium sized to coarse (75–300
µm diam.); thallus yellowish; an unknown terpenoid present . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L. leprolomopsis
15(13) Soredia are mostly fine (20–45 µm diam.), consoredia are rare, thallus margin
diffuse; thallus greenish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L. elobata
Soredia are coarse (100–200 µm diam.), consoredia abundant (up to 300 µm diam.),
thallus margin usually delimited; thallus grey or bluish grey, not greenish . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. caesioalba var. groenlandica
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THE LICHENOLOGIST
Vol. 41
16(10) Well-developed medulla present, thallus with membranous appearance, lobes usually distinct or rarely absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. nivalis chem. 4–5
Well-developed medulla absent, thallus with granular or membranous appearance,
lobes present or absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
17(16) Thallus distinctly lobate, with thick raised marginal rim, lobes over 0·5 mm wide;
projecting hyphae from soredia present and mostly long . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. santosii chem. 2 & 3
Thallus without lobes or obscure minute lobes present without thick raised rim;
projecting hyphae from soredia mostly short or absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. caesioalba var. caesioalba chem. 2
18(9)
Alectorialic acid present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Alectorialic acid absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
19(18) Porphyrilic acid present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. gelida
Porphyrilic acid absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
20(19) Thallus soft, soredia loosely packed, medulla distinct and usually thick . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. eburnea
Thallus hard, granular, soredia densely packed, medulla inconspicuous . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. neglecta
21(18) Divaricatic acid present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Divaricatic acid absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
22(21) Nordivaricatic acid present as major substance, medulla well-developed, lower
surface distinct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. crassissima
Nordivaricatic acid absent or in trace amounts, medulla absent or less developed,
lower surface not distinct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
23(22) Thick lax hypothallus, usually brown, soredia sparsely distributed on hypothallus
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. yunnaniana
Hypothallus absent, soredia abundant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. incana
24(21) Pannaric acid or one of pannaric acid derivatives present as main substance . . 25
Pannaric acid and its derivatives absent or present in trace to minor amounts besides
other major compound(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
25(24) 4-oxypannaric acid 2-methylester present as only major dibenzofuran . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. diffusa
4-oxypannaric acid 2-methylester absent or present in trace to minor amounts
besides other major dibenzofurans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
26(25) Pannaric acid present as only major dibenzofuran . . . . . . . L. membranacea
Pannaric acid absent or present in trace to minor amounts besides other major
dibenzofurans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
27(26) Lecanoric acid present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. impossibilis
Lecanoric acid absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
28(27) Soredia absent or few, isidia-like structures present, lobes well-developed . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L. xerophila chem. 1
Soredia numerous, isidia-like structures absent, lobes well or poorly developed or
absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
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World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
55
29(28) Lobes well-developed, with raised marginal rim . . . . . . . . . . L. sipmaniana
Lobes absent or poorly-developed, without marginal rim . . . . . . . L. vouauxii
30(24) Porphyrilic acid present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Porphyrilic acid absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
31(30) Thallus granular, hard, soredia coarse (100–300 µm diam.) . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Thallus relatively soft, powdery (or rarely cottony), soredia medium to very fine
(20–100, rarely some up to 200 µm diam.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
32(31) Zeorin present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L. alpina var. zeorinica
Zeorin absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. alpina var. alpina
33(31) Atranorin present, one or very rarely two fatty acids present . . . . . L. atlantica
Atranorin absent, two fatty acids present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L. neojackii
34(30) Lecanoric acid present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Lecanoric acid absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
35(34) Zeorin present, dark brown hypothallus present (usually thick, rarely thin) . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L. cupressicola
Zeorin absent, hypothallus absent or present and white or orange in patches . 36
36(35) Atranorin present, soredia coarse (up to 200 µm diam.) . . . . . . . L. lecanorica
Atranorin absent, soredia fine (up to c. 50 µm diam.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
37(36) Thallus margin delimited, hypothallus absent, soredia very fine (up to c. 30 µm
diam.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. goughensis
Thallus margin diffuse, hypothallus usually present, soredia fine (up to c. 50 µm
diam.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. achariana
38(34) Thamnolic acid present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Thamnolic acid absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
39(38) Thallus unstratified – medulla and hypothallus absent, colour green to rarely whitish
green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. umbricola
Thallus stratified – medulla or hypothallus present, colour not green . . . . . . 40
40(39) Roccellic acid present; thallus thick, usually with well-developed greyish hypothallus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. nylanderiana
Roccellic acid absent; thallus thin, hypothallus absent or present and brown . . 41
41(40) Thallus margin diffuse without raised rim; brown hypothallus present, usually welldeveloped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. aurescens
Thallus margin delimited, with raised rim; hypothallus absent or poorly-developed,
white . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. pulchra
42(38) Usnic acid present together with zeorin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Usnic acid absent, zeorin absent or present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
43(42) Thallus margin distinctly lobed, lobes with raised rim, predominantly over 0·5 mm
wide; protodehydroconstipatic and constipatic acids present (in major to trace
amounts) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. coriensis
Thallus margin diffuse or lobed; if lobes present, without the rim, less than 0·5 mm
wide; protodehydroconstipatic and constipatic acids absent . . . . . . . . . 44
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THE LICHENOLOGIST
Vol. 41
44(43) Medulla thick and cottony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L. leuckertiana
Medulla absent or thin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
45(44) Lobes present, obscure to distinct, small, less than 0·5 mm wide . . . L. usnica
Lobes absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
46(45) Thallus granules coarse (up to 160 µm diam.), corticate . . . . . . L. straminea
Cortical granules absent, soredia smaller (up to 100 µm diam.) . . . . . . . . . 47
47(46) Soredia regular, spherical, well separated from each other; hypothallus absent . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. ecorticata
Soredia irregularly shaped, not well separated from each other in places; whitish
hypothallus may be present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. texta
48(42) Squamatic acid present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. squamatica
Squamatic acid absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
49(48) Argopsin present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. santamonicae
Argopsin absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
50(49) Pannarin present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. adhaerens
Pannarin absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
51(50) Psoromic acid present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Psoromic acid absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
52(51) Thallus granular, hard, medulla inconspicuous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. caesioalba var. caesioalba chem. 3
Thallus softer, with well-developed medulla . . . . . . . . . . L. nivalis chem. 6
53(51) Salazinic acid present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. salazinica
Salazinic acid absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
54(53) Obtusatic acid present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. obtusatica
Obtusatic acid absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
55(54) Norascomatic acid present; soredia absent or few, isidia-like structures (lobules)
present, lobes well-developed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .L. xerophila chem. 2
Norascomatic acid absent; thallus different . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
56(55) Distinct well-developed marginal lobes present, over 0·5 mm wide and mostly with
marginal rim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Marginal lobes absent or obscure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
57(56) Zeorin present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Zeorin absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
58(57) Hypothallus present, grey to black; unidentified fatty acids present . . . L. pallida
Hypothallus absent (medulla present); rangiformic/jackinic or roccellic/angardianic
acid present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. lobata
59(57) Anthraquinones present (mostly in subthalline hyphae) . . . . . . . L. bergensis
Anthraquinones absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. normandinoides chem. 3
60(56) Zeorin present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Zeorin absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
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World survey of Lepraria—Saag et al.
57
61(60) Fatty acids present; medulla or hypothallus present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Fatty acids absent; medulla and hypothallus absent . . . . . . . . . . L. caesiella
62(61) Thallus relatively hard, soredia densely packed, consoredia up to 350 µm diam. . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. lobata
Thallus soft, soredia loosely packed, consoredia up to 160 µm diam. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. jackii s. lat
63(60) Nephrosteranic acid present; soredia with very long projecting hyphae (60–120 µm),
very loosely packed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. rigidula
Nephrosteranic acid absent; projecting hyphae absent or shorter, soredia densely or
loosely packed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
64(63) Soredia up to 300 µm diam., thallus granular (L. neglecta type) . . . . . . . . . 65
Soredia up to 160 µm diam., thallus powdery or slightly cottony . . . . . . . . 66
65(64) Fatty acid ‘granulata unknown 1’ present, rangiformic/jackinic and roccellic/
angardianic acids absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. granulata
‘Granulata unknown 1’ absent, rangiformic/jackinic or roccellic/angardianic acid
present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. borealis
66(64) Jackinic/rangiformic acid present as the only major fatty acid . . . . . . . . . . 67
Other fatty acids present as major compounds (jackinic/rangiformic acid also present
in one species) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
67(66) Anthraquinones present on subthalline hyphae (local and often inconspicuous) . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. humida
Anthraquinones absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . L. jackii s. str.
68(66) Roccellic/angardianic acid present as the only major fatty acid . . . . . L. celata
Toensbergianic or jackinic/rangiformic acid present as major fatty acids (roccellic
acid may be present in addition) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
69(68) Toensbergianic acid present as the only major fatty acid . . . .L. toensbergiana
Other fatty acids present as major substances (toensbergianic acid present in combination with roccellic/angardianic acid) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
70(69) Jackinic/rangiformic acid present as major fatty acid,
present) lacking anthraquinones . . . . . . . . . . .
Toensbergianic and roccellic/angardianic acids present
thalline hyphae (when present) with anthraquinones
The authors are grateful to the curators of the herbaria
who made their specimens available for us; to H.
Sipman, L. Zedda, A. Orange and S. Ekman for valuable comments on the manuscript, to M. Tretiach, K.
Knudsen and M. Nelsen for insightful discussions on
some species, and to the reviewers of the manuscript.
Financial support was received from the Estonian
Science Foundation (grant no. 5823 to Andres Saag,
and nos 5505 and 7470 to Tiina Randlane); from the
Estonian Ministry of Education and Research (targeted
financing no. 0153 to Urmas Kõljalg; grant to Andres
Saag within national research and development programme ‘‘Collections of Humanities and Natural
Sciences’’), and from the European Union through the
subthalline hyphae (when
. . . . . . L. jackii s. str.
as major compounds, sub. . . . . . . . L. sylvicola
European Regional Development Fund (Centre of
Excellence FIBIR).
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Accepted for publication 15 October 2008