Five new records of Pyrenula (Pyrenulaceae) for New Zealand

Abstract

Pyrenula (Pyrenulaceae) is a poorly studied genus of lichenized mycobiota in New Zealand. Following the sampling of lichens from over 50 vegetation plots established within the Auckland Region by the Auckland Council, we have recognised a further five species of Pyrenula: P. leucostoma (Zahlbr.) R. C. Harris, P. microcarpa Müll. Arg., P. pyrenuloides (Mont.) R. C. Harris, P. subumbilicata (C. Knight) Aptroot and P. subvariolosa (C. Knight) Aptroot from the New Zealand Botanical Region. These discoveries increase the number of Pyrenula accepted for New Zealand from 10 to 15, and extend the range of two species previously regarded as endemic to Australia. The discoveries also highlight the importance of undertaking more comprehensive lichen sampling within New Zealand’s ecosystems. We recommend that, for those regions where permanent vegetation plots have been established for long-term monitoring, an assessment of lichen diversity should also be included in their initial sampling phase and monitoring protocols. With these additions, as well as changes in the taxonomy of New Zealand Pyrenula, a revised key to the known species of Pyrenula in New Zealand is presented.