Phylogenetic reconstruction of character development in Physciaceae

A cladistic analysis of the Physciaceae, based on morphological and chemica l data, is presented. In the resulting phylogenetic reconstruction two majo r clades are formed, one containing the foliose genera (Anaptychia, Dirinar ia, Heterodermia, Hyperphyscia, Physcia, Phaeophyscia, Physconia, Pyxine) a nd the fruticose Tornabea, and the other containing the remaining, mainly c rustose genera. Rinodina appears as paraphyletic with representatives both at the base of the tree, at the same level as the mio major clads and at th e base of the crustose clade. Also Mobergia has a basal position. The chara cters used and their distribution in the phylogenetic trees are discussed a s well as their significance for the identification of monophyletic groups. The history of the family is also briefly hinted at and characters of impo rtance for the recognition of new genera are surveyed. Relevant publication s and the variation in secondary chemistry are presented in tables. (C) 200 1 The British Lichen Society.