ORIGINAL ARTICLE
A new lignicolous species of Micarea (Lecanoromycetes, Ectolechiaceae) from Sweden
1
Museum of Evolution, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 16, SE-752
36 Uppsala, Sweden
Submission date: 2026-03-30
Acceptance date: 2026-06-09
Online publication date: 2026-09-08
Publication date: 2026-09-08
Plant and Fungal Systematics 2026; 71(2): 332-339
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
The new lignicolous species Micarea latispora is described from central Sweden
based on morphological and molecular evidence. The species grows on decaying wood of
deciduous trees, particularly Populus tremula, in open to semi-shaded conditions, and is
characterized by Sedifolia-grey pigmentation in the epithecium and hymenium, unicellular,
often ovoid ascospores, and by containing gyrophoric acid. It is similar to M. misella, from
which it differs in having broader ascospores [(3–)3.5–4.5(–5) μm wide vs. 2–3(–3.5) μm
in M. misella], a better developed thallus containing gyrophoric acid, and the absence of
stipitate pycnidia. Micarea denigrata, which also contains gyrophoric acid and has similar
apothecia, differs by having narrower ascospores [2–3.5(–4) μm] that are predominantly
1-septate rather than unicellular. Micarea latispora is currently known from three provinces
in central Sweden, but is likely more widespread and may have been overlooked due to its
superficial resemblance to related species.
FUNDING
This research was financially supported by the Swedish Taxonomy
Initiative (2016-206 4.3 and 2023.4.3-30).
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| eISSN: | 2657-5000 |
| ISSN: | 2544-7459 |
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