Trypethelium flavopigmentosum (lichenized Ascomycota: Trypetheliaceae), a new lichen species from Mt. Palhi, Dinagat Islands, Philippines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17348/jbrit.v20.i3.1488Keywords:
Mindanao, Philippine lichens, pyrenolichens, taxonomy, tropical lichensAbstract
During our continued expeditions in the Dinagat Islands, southern Philippines, a new species, Trypethelium flavopigmentosum Taer & Aptroot, was discovered and is herein described. It closely resembles T. luteolucidum in the thallus and pseudostromata reacting UV+ yellow, the presence of lichexanthone, and the inspersed hamathecium. However, T. flavopigmentosum is distinguished by its prominent yellow pigment at the surface of the pseudostromata, inside with an additional yellow dusty granular pigment, and a smaller, 9–10-septate ascospore, 41–61 × 9–13 μm. This discovery represents the first documented lichen species from Mt. Palhi, and further emphasizes the exceptional biodiversity supported by the ultramafic forest ecosystems. Given increasing anthropogenic pressures, these findings underscore the urgent need for legislative protection and strengthened conservation management of the Dinagat Islands.
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