ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Clarifying the phylogenetic delimitation of Ocellularia upretii, the acid-deficient counterpart of Ocellularia allosporoides (Graphidaceae)
1
Biodiversity and Palaeobiology (Fungi and Lichens) Gr., MACS
Agharkar Research Institute, G. G. Agarkar Road, Pune, Maharashtra,
411004, India
2
Faculty of Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ganeshkhind,
Pune, Maharashtra, 411007, India
3
Botanischer Garten und Botanisches Museum Berlin, Freie Universität
Berlin, Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 6–8, 14195 Berlin, Germany
Submission date: 2026-05-18
Acceptance date: 2026-06-08
Online publication date: 2026-07-31
Publication date: 2026-07-31
Plant and Fungal Systematics 2026; 71(1): 64-74
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
This study aims to clarify the phylogenetic delimitation of Ocellularia upretii,
a recently described, acid-deficient counterpart of Ocellularia allosporoides, which contains
the unusual substances norisonotatic and norsubnotatic acid. We obtained new data on the
mitochondrial small subunit and the nuclear large subunit rDNA, as well as rpb2, from
several specimens collected in the Western Ghats of India. In addition to the newly generated
molecular data, we provide an updated assessment of the taxa currently distinguished in
this complex, including morphology, ascospores, chemistry, and distribution. This paper is
dedicated to our esteemed colleague, André Aptroot, on the occasion of his 65th birthday.
FUNDING
Kunhiraman C. Rajeshkumar thanks Anusandhan National
Research Foundation (ANRF) and Department of Science
and Technology (DST), Government of India, for financial
support (Project Number: ANRF/ARG/2025/002281/LS) and
the Director, MACS ARI, for providing additional financial
support and the laboratory facility. Ansil P.A. thanks CSIR-HRDG,
INDIA, for the financial support under the SRF fellowship
(09/670(0093)/2021-EMR-I).
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