Plagiochila killarniensis Pears. in the British Isles

Abstract

Plagioehila killarniensis Pears. is reinstated as a species. It differs from P. spinulosa in many characters including its more patent leaves with a sharply defmed vitta, and the dentate antical margin of its female bracts. P. spinulosa var. inermis Carr. is shown to be a synonym of P. killarniensis, and P. punetata var. owenii (Steph.) Macv. of var. punctata. Both sexes of P. killarniensis occur in the British Isles, but male plants of P. spinulosa have not been detected, and those of P. punctata have been seen only once. P. killarniensis tolerates more exposure than P. spinulosa, but does not extend so far north.     

Lepraria atlantica,a new species from the British Isles

Abstract:Lepraria atlantica is described as new from acidic rocks in the British Isles; it contains porphyrilic acid, cf. rangiformic acid or rarely cf. roccellic acid, and atranorin. It differs from L. cacuminum in the diffuse, powdery thallus. It is morphologically similar to L. jackii, but differs in the possession of porphyrilic acid.     

Biatora britannica sp. nov. and the occurrence of Biatora efflorescens in the British Isles

Abstract:Biatora britannica sp. nov. is described from Wales. The species is the sorediate sister taxon of the Madeiran Biatora hertelii. The close relationship is supported by the presence of the hymenial pigment Hertelii-green, which is hitherto known only from these two species. Molecular data from the nuclear ITS-region of 14 Biatora -species renders further support for the close relationship of both species. Sterile, sorediate material from the British Isles earlier referred to B. efflorescens may in fact belong to B. britannica.     

On new or interesting desmids from the British Isles

Summary

Some very rare desmids, and others with previously undescribed characteristics have been identified from various locations in the British Isles.     

Cladonia azorica in the British Isles

Abstract:Cladonia azorica is widespread in western Great Britain, mainly as the grey colour-form lacking usnic acid. Cladonia azorica is distinguished from the related species C. portentosa and C. mediterranea by the presence of fumarprotocetraric acid, and from C. ciliata by a number of characters including the presence of perlatolic acid. The structure of the pycnidial wall may have some taxonomic significance in Cladonia subgenus Cladina.