A synopsis of the genus Pulvinora Davydov, Yakovcz. & Printzen (Lecanoraceae, Lecanorales)

This study shows that Lecanora cavicola and L. subcavicola are closely related to the recently described genus Pulvinora. These taxa are nested in a sister position to the known Pulvinora spp. in a phylogenetic reconstruction based on three loci: mtSSU, nuITS, and nuLSU. The clade incorporating all the above-mentioned taxa is shown to be monophyletic and strongly supported.

Consequently, a broader circumscription of the genus is proposed, along with two new taxonomic combinations: Pulvinora cavicola (Creveld) Mazur & Śliwa and Pulvinora subcavicola (B. D. Ryan) Mazur & Śliwa. Additionally, based on similarity to other members of Pulvinora, a new combination for Lecanora brandegeei is made. A key for the identification of all Pulvinora species is provided as well.