Molecular data favours a monogenericPeltulaceae(Lichinomycetes)

Abstract

AbstractThe familyPeltulaceaeis currently composed of the three generaPeltula,PhyllopeltulaandNeoheppia. The last two genera, both with two species, are distinguished fromPeltulaonly by a small number of morphological characters. The morphology of the genusPeltulavaries from peltate-umbilicate thalli to squamulose-semifruticose or squamulose-compound types, as well as subfoliose-compound and crustose types. All types have an upper epinecral layer and possess medullary cavities of various sizes; a lower cortex is normally present but is usually not developed in the subfoliose and crustose types. The generaNeoheppiaandPhyllopeltuladiffer from the commonPeltulamorphology by crustose-areolate and subfoliose-compound thalli, respectively. BothNeoheppiaandPhyllopeltulaare additionally characterized by the absence of medullary cavities and lower cortices. To investigate the phylogenetic validity ofPhyllopeltulaandNeoheppia, we sequenced six loci from representatives of these two genera together with 37 species fromPeltula. Despite the relatively high amount of conflict among loci, the results clearly indicate that bothPhyllopeltulaandNeoheppiaare not monophyletic, and are nested within the genusPeltula.Consequently, we subsumed species of these two genera within the genusPeltula.