New record and extended distribution of lichen genera Hyperphyscia and Physciella (Physciaceae) from India with updated world species key

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DOI: 10.1007/s42535-026-01629-3
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Keywords: Diversity, Biomonitoring, Lecanorales, Taxonomy


Abstract

Five species and one variety of Hyperphyscia Müll. Arg., and three species under genus Physciella Essl., have been recorded from India. Physciella chloantha (Ach.) Essl., characterised by marginal to laminal labriform soralia is newly reported for the Indian lichen biota. The present manuscript presents a detailed account of the thallus morphology, habitat, and distinguishing features of these taxa, and also includes an identification key for all known species of both genera worldwide. Hyperphyscia shows a broad distribution, primarily across warm tropical regions and stable coastal ecosystems. Within India, the distribution patterns of these species may offer insights into ongoing climate change studies.

Diversity, Biomonitoring, Lecanorales, Taxonomy


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Author Information

Lichenology Laboratory, Plant Diversity Systematics and Herbarium Division, CSIR—National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India