Browsing by Author "Saag, Lauri"
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Item Taxonomic and ecologic problems in the genus Lepraria (Stereocaulaceae, lichenised Ascomycota)(2008-07-08T09:18:30Z) Saag, LauriThe genus Lepraria Ach. (Stereocaulaceae, Ascomycota) comprises lichen-forming fungi that never develop fruiting bodies and build a morphologically simple lichen thallus. It is common worldwide. Most species have a leprose thallus with the surface entirely composed of soredia while a few taxa are squamulose or develop isidia-like structures. The taxonomy is largely based on the chemistry of secondary metabolites as these lichens produce a wide variety of lichen substances, and morphological and anatomical characters are often scarce. A comparative review of 58 Lepraria species and two varieties is provided together with species descriptions and a key. For the first time, all taxa that are currently accepted in the world can be identified using a single key. An overview is given of the taxonomic problems in the genus and chemically or morphologically similar groups of taxa. Some previously published but unnamed taxa by different authors are discussed. Two new varieties are described and one species is transferred to Lepraria from the genus Lecanora Ach. The results of a floristic study in Greenland are presented, ten species are reported for the first time from Greenland and five for the whole panarctic region. For several species new information was presented concerning morphology and chemistry together with taxonomic remarks. The results of the ecological analyses of Lepraria species in old growth forests of Estonia show that different species have different substrate preferences. Also, the species diversity is rather great in local level. Hence, treatment of Lepraria on generic level – the usual practice – is not justified in the ecological studies of forest lichens.