Two novel species of arctic-alpine lichen-forming fungi (Ascomycota, Megasporaceae) from the Deosai Plains, Pakistan.

ABSTRACT: Members of the lichen-forming fungal genus Oxneriaria are known to occur in cold polar and high altitudinal environments. Two new species, Oxneriariacrittendenii and O.deosaiensis, are now described from the high altitude Deosai Plains, Pakistan, based on phenotypic, multigene phylogenetic and chemical evidence. Phenotypically, O.crittendenii is characterised by orbicular light-brown thalli 1.5-5 cm across, spot tests (K, C, KC) negative, apothecia pruinose, hymenium initially blue then dark orange in response to Lugol's solution. Oxneriariadeosaiensis is characterised by irregular areolate grey thalli 1.5-2 cm across, K test (light brown), KC test (dark brown), apothecia epruinose, hymenium initially blue then dark blue in response to Lugol's solution. B

SUBMITTER: Usman M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10924169 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature