New species and records of Pyxine (Caliciaceae) in China

Abstract

In this study, the diversity of Pyxine Fr. in China was assessed based on morphological and chemical traits and molecular data are inferred from ITS and mtSSU sequences. Nineteen species were recognised, including three that are new to science (i.e. P. flavicans M. X. Yang & Li S. Wang, P. hengduanensis M. X. Yang & Li S. Wang and P. yunnanensis M. X. Yang & Li S. Wang) and three records new to China were found (i.e. P. cognata Stirt., P. himalayensis Awas. and P. minuta Vain.). Pyxine yunnanensis is diagnosed by the small size of the apothecia, a white medulla of the stipe and the presence of lichexanthone. Pyxine flavicans is characterised by broad lobes, a pale yellow medulla of the stipe and the presence of atranorin. Pyxine hengduanensis can be distinguished by its pale yellow medulla, marginal labriform soralia and the absence of atranorin. Detailed descriptions of each new species are presented, along with a key to the known species of Pyxine in China.