Caloplaca austrocitrina (Teloschistaceae) new for South America, based on molecular and morphological studies

Abstract

Specimens of Caloplaca belonging to the group of Caloplaca citrina (Hoffm.) Th. Fr. were collected in different localities in the provinces of Buenos Aires (Argentina) and studied using morphology and nrITS data. They were identified as Caloplaca austrocitrina Vondrak, Riha, Arup & Søchting, a species newly discribed from the Black Sea area, but also found in other European countries. These findings are the first mention of this species for South America and broaden its distribution range widely. The results also showed that the specimens from Argentina are genetically very similar to the European ones and that the genetic variation within the species in this gene seems to be very low.