Taxonomic studies in foliicolous species of the genus Porina .1. The Porina rufula aggregate

An analysis of character variation in species of the Porina rufula aggregate, i.e. P. rufula (Kremp.) Vain., P. limbulata (Kremp.) Vain., P. rubentior (Stirt.) Mull. Arg., and P. pseudofulvella Serus., showed that the hitherto applied concepts of species delimitation - based on perithecial size and colour - are not appropriate and should be replaced by a concept which primarily regards perithecial colour and shape as specific characters. Revision of type specimens proved the identity of P. rufula and P. pseudofulvella, whereas P. limbulata sensu Santesson had to be split into P. limbulata s. str. and P. leptospermoides Mull. Arg. Evolutionary tendencies are seen in reduction of thallus morphology and perithecial pigments as an adaptation to shady habitats, indicating P. leptospermoides as a more primitive and P. rufula as a more advanced taxon. Judging from species distribution, the phylogenetic origin of the P. rufula aggregate might be in the Neotropics.