First insights into genetic diversity and relationships of E uropean taxa of S olenopsora ( C atillariaceae, A scomycota) with implications for their delimitation

The lichen genus S olenopsora occurs predominantly in temperate and subtropical regions of the world, and the centre of diversity and distribution is in the M editerranean, M acaronesian, and M adrean floristic regions. Taxonomic treatment of several taxa has varied over time and the concepts lack clarity. Focusing on multilocus sequence data, morphology, anatomy, chemistry, and ecological preferences, the present study investigates E uropean S olenopsora taxa to obtain the first insights into their genetic variation and relationships. Our results show discrepancy between the number of currently recognized taxa in E urope and the number of genetic entities identified. We recognize eight species in the genus in E urope: S olenopsora candicans , S olenopsora cesatii (including S olenopsora carpatica ), S olenopsora grisea , S olenopsora holophaea , S olenopsora liparina , S olenopsora marina , S olenopsora olivacea , and S olenopsora vulturiensis . We gathered evidence to recognize S . liparina , an edaphic vicariant of S . candicans confined to ultramafic rocks, as a separate species. We disclosed a previously unknown sister relationship between S . grisea and S . vulturiensis . Taxonomic synopses, geographical distribution, and an identification key for the treated taxa are provided. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two major lineages among the E uropean S olenopsora spp., differentiated by thallus organization, the presence/absence of rhizines on lower side of the thallus, secondary chemistry, and anatomy of upper cortex. The generic circumscription and phylogenetic position, however, appear problematic and additional studies with increased sampling including related genera are needed. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2014, 176 , 203–223.