Fedrowitz, K./ A. Frisch/ U. Kaasalainen/ Y. Ohmura 2014: Nephroma squamigerum (Nephromataceae, Lichenized Ascomycota) is a distinct species. - Journal of Japanese Botany89(5): 346-354. [RLL List # 238 / Rec.# 36001] Keywords: Asia/ ITS rDNA/ MtSSU/ Neotype/ Peltigerales/ Triterpenoids
Abstract: We evaluated the taxonomic status of Nephroma squamigerum in Japan, a taxon currently ascribed as a forma to N. bellum. Using an extensive data set of herbarium and freshly collected specimens we confirm that N. squamigerum differs morphologically, chemically and genetically from N. bellum and other Nephroma species, and should be treated as a distinct species. Nephroma squamigerum is morphologically similar to N. bellum and to glabrous morphotypes of N. helveticum and may have been frequently overlooked, especially in other parts of eastern Asia. However, the absence of lichen substances in N. squamigerum always allows a clear identification. Also, N. squamigerum can be clearly distinguished from all other Nephroma species based on the sequences of ITS rDNA and mtSSU rDNA. Neotypification of N. squamigerum is made. A key to the Japanese taxa of Nephroma is provided.