New species and new records of the basidiolichen Sulzbacheromyces (Lepidostromataceae) from India

The basidiolichens in India are rare and prior to this study, only three species were known. A detailed study of basidiolichen specimens freshly collected and some already available at herbarium LWG resulted in interesting species of Sulzbacheromyces. Notably, all these specimens were collected from northeastern states of India. Sulzbacheromyces arunachalensis is described as new to science which is characterized by its terricolous and crustose thallus; chlorococcoidal photobiont; terete to fusiform, unbranched, white to off-white basidiomata; reniform, 7.1–8.9 × 3.0–3.9 µm basidiospores. The novelty of the species is further confirmed by phylogenetic analysis of the nrITS sequence. In addition, S. bicolor and S. yunnanensis are reported for the first time in India. A key to all known species of Sulzbacheromyces from the world is provided. The discovery of the new species from northeastern India once agin proves it to be a lichen diversity hotspot. The present communication emphasises the need for special focus on basidiolichen study in India.