Taxonomy and phylogeny of theCaloplaca cerinagroup in Europe

Using ITS nrDNA sequence data, theCaloplaca cerinagroup (Teloschistaceae) is defined here as a monophyletic, but internally richly branched lineage. The group is also characterized by a combination of morphological and anatomical characters. Its internal lineages are supported by phenotypic characters in addition to ecology and distribution. Within the largeC. cerinagroup, we have found at least 20 phylospecies in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere. Two species complexes do not produce any vegetative diaspores: the polyphyletic, corticolousCaloplaca cerinas. lat. (six separated cryptic or semi-cryptic species) and the monophyleticC. stillicidiorums. lat. that grows mainly on plant debris, small shrubs and bryophytes and consists of at least four internal lineages. All lineages producing vegetative diaspores (soredia, blastidia, isidia or lobules) are phenotypically characteristic and represent fairly easily distinguishable species:C. chlorina,C. isidiigera,C. monacensis,C. subalpina,C. thracopontica,C. turkuensisandC. ulmorum. Only the North American sorediateC. pinicolapossibly represents an aggregate of species.Caloplaca sterilisis described as a new species. A key to the phenotypically distinguishable species is provided. Lectotypes are designated forC. albolutea,Caloplaca cerinaf.coronulataand forC. monacensis. The AustralianC. hannesherteliibelongs to this group, but this and other possible species from the Southern Hemisphere are not treated here in detail. Some species traditionally placed in theC. cerinagroup due to their similar morphology are excluded here on the basis of our phenotype examinations and molecular data.Caloplaca albolutea,C. mydalaeaandC. virescensare uncertain taxa and their identities still remain unclear.