The Lichens of Rarotonga, Cook Islands, South Pacific Ocean I: Pyrenocarpous Taxa

Four new pyrenocarpous lichens are described from Rarotonga, Cook Islands, South Pacific Ocean: Porina deminuta (Trichotheliaceae), Pyrenula ochraceoflava var. pacifica (Pyrenulaceae), Strigula decipiens var. divisa (Strigulaceae) and Verrucaria fortuita (Verrucariaceae). The new combinations Porina eminentior (Nyl.) P. M. McCarthy and P. exocha (Nyl.) P. M. McCarthy are made for Thelenella eminentior Nyl. (Clathroporina eminentior (Nyl.) Müll. Arg.) and Verrucaria exocha Nyl. (Clathroporina exocha (Nyl.) Müll. Arg.), respectively. Brief descriptions and additional notes are provided for 26 other taxa. The phytogeographical affinities and possible origins of the pyrenocarpous lichens of Rarotonga and Lord Howe Island are discussed.