Phylogeny and taxonomy of Willeya (Verrucariales, Verrucariaceae), including two new species and two newly recorded species from China

Willeya Müll. Arg. (Verrucariaceae, Eurotiomycetes, Ascomycota) is a genus of crustose lichen-forming fungi.

To date, no comprehensive taxonomic revision of Willeya in China has been conducted. In this study, we performed morphological examinations, multi-gene phylogenetic analyses based on nrITS, mtSSU, and nuLSU sequences and thin-layer chromatography on specimens collected from four Chinese provinces. As a result, two new species, Willeya bispora Xin Yi Wang & X. Zhao, W. guizhouensis Xin Yi Wang & X. Zhao and two new records, W. japonica (B. de Lesd) Gueidan and W. protrudens Gueidan are reported from China.

Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and comparisons with closely related taxa are provided for all four species. In addition, we discuss all species of Willeya previously reported from China. A dichotomous key for the identification of all known Willeya species worldwide is also presented.