Pyrenula quadratolocularis
| Pyrenula quadratolocularis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Eurotiomycetes |
| Order: | Pyrenulales |
| Family: | Pyrenulaceae |
| Genus: | Pyrenula |
| Species: | P. quadratolocularis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pyrenula quadratolocularis | |
Pyrenula quadratolocularis is a species of lichen in the family Pyrenulaceae.[1] It was first described in 2025 by Andrew J. Marshall, Peter de Lange, Dan Blanchon and André Aptroot. Endemic to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand, the species is typically found growing on Coprosma chathamica and Coprosma propinqua, on bark exposed to the elements.
Description
The species is corticolous, has a crustose thallus, no pseudocyphellae, and is grey-white in colour, which fades to light brown or tan when stored. It can be distinguished from other members of Pyrenula due to its aggregated ascomata which are typically immersed in the thallus, curved ascospores, and square locules which range in size between 38 μm (0.0015 in) by 12 μm (0.00047 in) and 45 μm (0.0018 in) by 15 μm (0.00059 in).[2]
Taxonomy
The species was first described by Andrew J. Marshall, Peter de Lange, Dan Blanchon and André Aptroot in 2025.[2] The species epithet was chosen due to species having spore locules which appear square when viewed under a microscope.[2] The holotype is held by the Unitec Institute of Technology herbarium.[3]
Distribution and habitat
The species is endemic to New Zealand,[4] found in the Chatham Islands.[2] Pyrenula quadratolocularis is typically found on isolated trees exposed to the ocean, as well as forest remnants surrounding Te Whanga Lagoon and Lake Huro on Chatham Island. It has been found growing on Coprosma chathamica and Coprosma propinqua, usually on the most exposed surfaces of the trunks.[2]
References
- ^ "Pyrenula quadratolocularis A.J Marshall, de Lange, Blanchon & Aptroot, in Marshall, Blanchon, Aptroot & de Lange, Ukrain. Bot. J. 82(5): 445 (2025)". Species Fungorum. Retrieved 5 February 2026.
- ^ a b c d e Marshall, Andrew J.; Blanchon, Dan J.; Aptroot, André; de Lange, Peter J. (2025). "Four new species of Aotearoa | New Zealand Pyrenula (Pyrenulaceae) segregated from P. moniliformis". Ukrainian Botanical Journal. 82 (5): 435–452. doi:10.15407/UKRBOTJ82.05.435. ISSN 0372-4123. Wikidata Q138010387.
- ^ "Pyrenula quadratolocularis". MycoBank. Retrieved 5 February 2026.
- ^ "Pyrenula quadratolocularis A.J Marshall, de Lange, Blanchon & Aptroot". New Zealand Organisms Register. Retrieved 5 February 2026.