The genus Dimelaena (lichenized ascomycetes, physciaceae) in the Southern Hemisphere

Abstract

Four species of the genus Dimelaena occurring in the southern hemisphere are treated. Dimelaena australiensis is reported from South Africa, South America, Western Australia and Tasmania for the first time. D. elevata from tropical Australia is described as new to science. The chemotype II (usnic acid, gyrophoric acid) of D. oreina is found in South Africa and South America. The new combination D. tenuis is proposed for this tropical to subtropical species, which is recorded from Venezuela, Colombia, South Africa, Northern Territory (Australia), New Caledonia and Papua New Guinea for the first time. D. diffractella and D. somaliensis are synonyms of D. tenuis. Descriptions are presented for all taxa, and their chemistry, ecology and distribution are discussed. Show more