A Preliminary Study On The Lichen Genus Ochrolechia (Ascomycota) In China

Studies of the Lichen genus Ochrolechia from China were performed using the methods of morphology, anatomy, chemistry and geography on the basis of identification of about 200 specimens from 20 provinces and autonomous regions in China. This is the first special and systemic study on the lichen Ochrolechia of the Country. All of these specimens are deposited in HMAS-L.Seventeen species and one variety of Ochrolechia were identified, which include 8 species and 1 variety new to China, namely Ochrolechia alboflavescens, O. antillarum, O. frigida, O. isidiata, O. microsticloides, O. montana, O. subisidiata, O. subviridis, trochophora var. pruinirosella.The key to species of Ochrolechia lichens in China are presented. Each species is provided with detailed description based on morphology, anatomy, chemistry, habitat and distribution.The anatomic characters including cortex structure, ascus and the shape of ascospores were carefully compared and observed.Ten secondary metabolic substances are detected with thin layer chromatography (TLC).The Ochrolichia species mainly occur in the southwestern, northeastern and northern China, and are scattered in other regions. A preliminary analysis of the geography for the lichen Ochrolechia in China is given. The 17 species found in China can be devided into 5 elements, such as Cosmopolitan element (five species, 29%), Pantemperate element (six species, 36%), East Asian-North American element (four species, 24%), European-Asian element (one specie^ 6%), and East Asian element (one specie 6%).