A New Species, Ramalina echinata (Ramalinaceae, Ascomycotina) from Japan and Korea

Abstract

Ramalina echinata J.E.Han, Kashiw. & K.H.Moon, is described here as a new species from Japan and Korea. This species is characterized by its hollow thallus bearing conspicuous lateral branchlets on the main branches, the absence of isidia and soredia, and its corticolous habitat. Perforations on branches are sparse, and apothecia are produced on the apices of terminal or subterminal branches. The medullary hyphae are continuous and closely adherent to the chondroid layer. Spores are broadly ellipsoid, 2-celled, and measure 11–14 × 4–6 µm. The species produces two major medullary chemical compounds; sekikaic or divaricatic acid. Ramalina echinata inhabits beech forests at elevations between 700 and 1,430 m, occurring in northern Honshu to Kyushu, Japan. In Korea, it grows on the northern slopes of Mt. Halla on Jeju Island, at elevations between 580 and 1,000 m.