A new species of Squamulea (Teloschistaceae) from the Himalayan Region

Abstract

Squamulea pakistanica sp. nov. is a newly discovered lichen species from the Himalayan moist temperate forests of Pakistan. The genus Squamulea (Teloschistaceae) includes squamulose or subfoliose taxa, many of which are understudied in South Asia. This study aims to characterize the new taxon using morphological, chemical and molecular data and determine its phylogenetic placement. Phylogenetic analyses based primarily on nuclear ribosomal ITS sequences support the placement of Squamulea pakistanica within the genus Squamulea and confirm its recognition as a distinct species. Morphologically, the species is characterized by a squamulose to sub-areolate thallus, brownish-orange apothecial discs, a hymenium 50–55 μm high, and relatively small ascospores (6.5–)7.5–8.0(–9) × (3–)3.5–4.0(–5) µm. The morphological and molecular evidence, support the delimitation of the new taxon. The closely related species S. loekoesiana (S.Y. Kondr. & D. Upreti) Arup, Søchting & Bungartz is also reported here as a new record for Pakistan. The discovery of Squamulea pakistanica expands the known diversity of the genus and contributes to the understanding of lichen biogeography in South Asia. This finding highlights the significance of continued exploration and taxonomic research in under-investigated lichen floras such as that of Pakistan.