An overview of the genus Lobothallia (lichenized Ascomycota, Megasporaceae) in China

Lobothallia is a species-rich genus of crustose lichens that is mainly distributed in the Northern Hemisphere. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the taxonomy and phylogeny of this genus, leading to the description of numerous new species. However, Lobothallia in China has never been systematically revised.

In this study, approximately 500 specimens of Lobothallia collected from different provinces of China were examined. Based on morphological and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses, an overview of this genus in China was provided. Eight species, L. benzilanensis, L. complanata, L. polypycnidiata, L. pseudopruinosa, L. pulchra, L. rubra, L. stipitata and L. wangii, were described as new to science.

The species, Lobothallia brachyloba, was reported in China for the first time. In addition, we generated DNA sequences of the species Lobothallia hedinii from topotype specimens and clarified its phylogenetic position. Detailed descriptions, illustrations of morphological characters of the above-mentioned species, and comparisons with closely related taxa are provided.

A dichotomous key to 22 species of Lobothallia from China is presented.