New records of Emmanuelia genus (Lichenized Ascomycetes, Peltigerales) from northern Argentina

Abstract

Background and aims: A revision of the genus Emmanuelia in northern Argentinean is presented, in order to increase the knowledge of this group of lichens in the country. The species belonging to this genus, recently described, were previously within Lobaria.

M&M: Samples deposited in the CTES herbarium and collected in the forests of northern Argentina were studied. Morphological and anatomical analysis was carried out by stereoscopic and optical microscopy, and chemical analysis of the material was performed      with spot colour reactions with 10% potassium hydroxide (K), sodium hypochlorite (C), and K followed by C (KC), and thin layer chromatography (TLC) with A and C solvents.

Results: Through the morphoanatomical and chemical study of the material present in the CTES herbarium, the presence of three species in the rainforests of northern Argentina was determined, for which the distribution range is extended: Emmanuelia elaeodes and E. erosa are recorded for the first time for the country, and E. tenuis extends its distribution for Corrientes province. Each species is described and illustrated.

Conclusions: This work allowed to increase and update the knowledge about this group of lichens in Argentina, with the addition of species previously not known for the country. Furthermore, it was possible to confirm the presence of E. tenuis and to determine that E. patinifera would not be in Argentina.