Dorothee Killmann

A new lineage of lichenized basidiomycetes inferred from a two-gene phylogeny: The Lepidostromataceae with three species from the tropics.

The lichen habit has apparently evolved independently in at least five major clades of mushroom-forming basidiomycetes (Agaricomycetes). Tracing the origin of lichenization in these groups depends on a clearer understanding of the phylogenetic relationships of basidiolichens to other fungi. We describe here a new family of basidiolichens made up of tropical, soil-inhabiting fungi that form lichenized, scale-like squamules and erect, coral-like fruiting structures. These structures are common to two basidiolichen genera, Multiclavula and Lepidostroma. Molecular studies have confirmed the phylogenetic position of Multiclavula species in the Cantharellales, but Lepidostroma species have never been sequenced. We obtained nuclear small and large subunit ribosomal sequences from specimens of L. calocerum collected in Costa Rica and Mexico and also from specimens of two Multiclavula spp. recently described from Rwanda. The phylogenetic placement of these fungi within the Agaricomycetes was investigated using likelihood and Bayesian analyses. Our results indicate that L. calocerum and the Rwandan species form a natural group unrelated to Multiclavula and sister to the Atheliales, members of which are neither lichen-forming nor clavarioid. The independent evolution of morphologically similar forms in so many groups of basidiomycetes is a remarkable example of convergence, indicating similar pathways to lichenization in these fungi.

A revision of Gastrodia (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae, Gastrodieae) in tropical Africa

SummaryThe holomycotrophic terrestrial orchids of tropical Africa are reassessed. Two new species of Gastrodia from tropical Africa are described, G. rwandensis from Rwanda and G. ballii from south-central Africa. The genus now comprises three species in tropical Africa. A key is provided to distinguish them from Gastrodia africana Kraenzl.

Savoronala, a new genus of Malmideaceae (Lecanorales) from Madagascar with stipes producing sporodochia

The new genus and species Savoronala madagascariensis is a lichenized hyphomycete characterized by its pale glaucous placodioid thallus with erect, short but robust stipes apically producing sporodochia with brown, subspherical conidia, whose cells are wrapped around a single chlorococcoid algal cell. Phylogenetic analyses using nuLSU and mtSSU sequences place Savoronala in the Malmideaceae (Lecanorales). The new species was collected on Erica stems and inhabits coastal dunes near Taolanaro (southeast Madagascar). Lecidea floridensis is shown to belong to Malmidea whereas Lecidea cyrtidia and L. plebeja are also resolved in the Malmideaceae. The genus Sporodochiolichen Aptroot & Sipman is reduced into synonymy with Tylophoron.

New records for the lichen flora of Rwanda, East Africa

Abstract Killmann, D. & Fischer, E.: New records for the lichen flora of Rwanda, East Africa. — Willdenowia 35: 193–204. — ISSN 0511-9618;

Two new species of Syncesia (Arthoniales, Roccellaceae) from Africa

Two new species of Syncesia are described, which differ from all other species of the genus by having more than 3-septate ascospores. Syncesia afromontana is characterized by a byssoid thallus and 7-septate ascospores, and is known only from the type locality in the Nyungwe Forest in Rwanda where it might be endemic. Syncesia madagascariensis is characterized by a crustose thallus and 5-septate ascospores, and is known only from the type locality in a montane forest in central Madagascar.

Isalonactis, a new genus of Roccellaceae (Arthoniales), from southern Madagascar

The new genus and species Isalonactis madagascariensis is characterized by a crustose, non- corticate, often sorediate thallus containing psoromic acid, tiny white pruinose ascomata with a thalline margin, an inconspicuous excipulum, a pale brown hypothecium, 3-septate hyaline ascospores and curved filiform conidia. Phylogenetic analyses using nuLSU and RPB2 sequences place Isalonactis in the Roccellaceae, close to the genera Lecanactis and Chiodecton. The new species was collected on sheltered siliceous rocks in the dry landscape of the Isalo Massif (S Madagascar). Dermatiscum thunbergii is newly recorded from Madagascar.

The lichen genus Pertusaria (Ascomycota) in Central Africa (Congo/Kivu, Rwanda and Burundi) and Western Kenya

Abstract: The available collections of the lichen genus Pertusaria from the eastern parts of Central Africa (mainly in the Albertine Rift in Congo/Kivu, Burundi and Rwanda) and Western Kenya yielded 21 species. Four are described as new for science: Pertusaria fosseyae, P. kinigiensis, P. krogiae and P. lambinonii. The following species are new reports for Africa: P. commutata, P. maritima, P. melanostoma, P. mesotropa, P. microstoma, P. orarensis, P. pilosula, P. rigida, P. scaberula, P. subplanaica, P. subrigida, P. valliculata, and P. verruculifera. The following are reduced into synonymy: Pertusaria amboimensis with P. leioplacella, P. macrostomoides, P. prolifera and P. norstictica with P. endoxantha, P. kahuziensis with P. velata, and P. robsonii with P. limbata. P. aberdarensis is suspected to be a synonym of P. rigida. An identification key to all species is provided. The type collections of three further species described from Africa have been examined: P. kigomensis, P. regenerans and P. rhodesica.

Aspidothelium hirsutum (Thelenellaceae) and Caprettia goderei (Monoblastiaceae), two new species of foliicolous lichens from Ethiopia and Kenya

Abstract The foliicolous lichens Aspidothelium hirsutum and Caprettia goderei are described as new from the Godere Forest in southwestern Ethiopia, the former also found in the Kakamega Forest in Kenya.

A new species of Melanotopelia (Graphidaceae) from Africa

Melanotopelia africana is described as new to science from Rwanda (continental Africa) and La Reunion (Mascarenes archipelago). Topeliopsis muscigena is here reported for the first time from La Reunion.

New saxicolous species of Hypotrachyna and Parmotrema ( Parmeliaceae ) from Rwanda

The following new species of Parmeliaceae are described from Rwanda: Hypotrachyna rwandensis Elix, Eb. Fischer & Killmann and Parmotrema afrocetratum Elix, Eb. Fischer & Killmann.