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Morphology and anatomy of chasmolithic versus epilithic growth: A taxonomic revision of inconspicuous saxicolous Buellia species from the Sonoran Desert Region generally ascribed to the "Buellia punctata" group

Abstract:

Six saxicolous species of Buellia, which were previously generally identified as Buellia punctata (Hoffm.) A. Massal., were examined from the Sonoran Desert. None of the species belongs to Beullia punctata s. str. Though inconspicuous, it can be demonstrated that the thallus morphology of these species is quite distinct and far less variable than previously assumed. Most species are epilithic, even though their thalli also show some degree of substrate penetration. Buellia sequax (Nyl.) Zahlbr., not previously reported from North America, is exclusively chasmolithic. Three new species with epilithic thalli, Beullia christophii Bungartz sp. nov., Beullia ryanii Bungartz sp. nov., and Beullia tergua Bungartz sp. nov., are described. Two species with filiform conidia are not treated in the genus Amandinea. We discuss why the current delimitation of this genus, based solely on conidial shape, is rejected: Buellia pullata Tuck., with filiform conidia, is consequently not transferred into Amandinea. Amandinea lecideina (H. Mayrhofer & Poelt) Scheid. & H. Mayrhofer is synonymized with Beullia prospersa (Nyl.) Riddle.