The European Cladonia species of the group Coccif-erae: diversity of mycobionts and photobionts

Jana Steinova (Prag): Cladonia coccifera is one of the most easily recognized species of Cladonia on account of its bright red apothecia and was one of the original 80 species of lichens described by Linnaeus. Since its description however it has become clear that C. coccifera consists of multiple species, characterized by different secondary chemistry and subtle morphological features. However, even these species circumscriptions have never been subjected to a rigourous molecular study. In my presentation I will discuss the results of my studies in the molecular diversity of both mycobiont and photobiont in the European members of Cladonia sect. Cocciferae. Specifically, I will address the following questions: 1) Is the current delimitation of red-fruited Cladonia species and allied taxa supported by molecular data? 2) What is the diversity of associated photobionts in this group? and finally 3) what is the most important factor influencing the choice of photobiont in this group?