New Species and a New Record of the Genus Hydropunctaria from South Korea, with an Updated Key to All Known Species

This is the authors' abstract. We don't add key points for this paper.

Hydropunctaria (Verrucariaceae, Ascomycota) is currently circumscribed by 11 species, of which four are known from Asia. The taxonomy and species limits of this genus remain insufficiently understood, particularly in East Asia. Phylogenetic study based on three loci (ITS, mtSSU, and LSU) from populations collected at several localities in South Korea revealed the presence of a hitherto unrecognized species, here described as new species, Hydropunctaria fluminicola sp. nov., collected from fresh water regimes near the littoral zone. The species is characterized by well-developed, gray-green, subgelatinous thallus having distinct punctae and black ridges; algal cells are arranged in columns and perithecia conspicuously protrude above the thallus surface. In addition, a new country record of Hydropunctaria nipponoamphibia is reported. A taxonomic key to all known species of Hydropunctaria is also provided. The present study highlights the taxonomic importance of combining morphological and molecular evidence in resolving species boundaries within Hydropunctaria and contributes to a better understanding of lichen diversity in coastal regions of East Asia.