A synopsis of the genus Pulvinora Davydov, Yakovcz. & Printzen (Lecanoraceae, Lecanorales)

This study shows that <i>Lecanora cavicola</i> and <i>L. subcavicola</i> are closely related to the recently described genus <i>Pulvinora</i>. These taxa are nested in a sister position to the known <i>Pulvinora</i> spp. in a phylogenetic reconstruction based on three loci: mtSSU, nuITS, and nuLSU. The clade incorporating all the above-mentioned taxa is shown to be monophyletic and strongly supported. Consequently, a broader circumscription of the genus is proposed, along with two new taxonomic combinations: <i>Pulvinora cavicola</i> (Creveld) Mazur & Śliwa and <i>Pulvinora subcavicola</i> (B.D. Ryan) Mazur & Śliwa. Additionally, based on similarity to other members of <i>Pulvinora</i>, a new combination for <i>Lecanora brandegeei</i> is made. A key for the identification of all <i>Pulvinora</i> species is provided as well.