Abstract Detail

Bryological and Lichenological Section/ABLS

Weerakoon, Gothamie [1], Lucking, Robert [1], Lumbsch, Thorsten [1].

How much do we know about the Graphidaceae in the tropics? – A case study in Sri Lanka reveals numerous new taxa.

Molecular phylogenies have greatly changed the understanding of evolution and classification in the lichenized family Graphidaceae. The family currently includes nearly 100 genera and approximately 2500 species, but quantitative extrapolations and molecular data for species complexes in tandem with new fieldwork suggest that it may contain over 4300 species. Recent studies in Sri Lanka led to the discovery of over 45 new species of Graphidaceae. In total, more than 270 species in approximately 40 genera were found, with nearly 200 species being new records, although these data are based on only a portion of the central mountain region of Sri Lanka. Remarkable new records and range extensions include Sarcographina cyclospora, thus far only known from the type in Australia and recently reported with a single collection from Vietnam. Molecular sequence data resolved the mystery of the phylogenetic relationships of this monospecific genus, as it clusters with strong support in tribe Ocellularieae. The genus Graphis included the highest number of new species and the highest number of species overall, with over 100, which have been summarized in a taxonomic key. However, this family is still not fully sampled in wet and dry zone forest types of the island. Therefore, it is expected that many more new species and new records are awaiting to be discovered from Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, these findings suggest that the family Graphidaceae is the dominant crustose lichen family in Sri Lanka and the most speciose family in tropical Asia overall.      

1 - The Filed Museum, Science & Education, 1400, South Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60605, USA

Keywords:
Lichen Diversity
Tropics
Graphidaceae
Sri Lanka
South Asia.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Sections
Session: P
Location: Eyrie/Boise Centre
Date: Monday, July 28th, 2014
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PBR001
Abstract ID:138
Candidate for Awards:None