2026-10-08T03:52:57Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/34022508 2026-09-30T00:53:28Z category_24274 portal_12 item_type_5 month_year_09_2026

Maham Fatima: Beyond Appearance: Revising the Genus Heterodermia in New Zealand Using Morphological, Molecular, and Chemical Data Maham Fatima (24202125) Bruce Burns (1184514) Dan J. Blanchon (4217878) Mahajabeen Padamsee (18364458) Plant and fungus systematics and taxonomy Heterodermia Aotearoa New Zealand lichen systematics lichen taxonomy molecular phylogenetics species delimitation <p dir="ltr">Heterodermia is a diverse genus of foliose (leaf-like) lichens worldwide. The species in the genus Heterodermia differ in morphology, chemistry, ecology, and distribution. Although it is a well-collected genus, species boundaries and evolutionary relationships within New Zealand Heterodermia remain poorly understood, and current classifications may not reflect the true diversity. This research uses an integrated approach combining morphological, anatomical, molecular, and chemical data to reassess Heterodermia in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Field collections and herbarium specimens are being examined to document species diversity, distributions, and diagnostic characteristics, while DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analyses are being used to investigate evolutionary relationships. Chemical profiling will further evaluate variation among species and contribute to understanding their taxonomy. The study aims to clarify species boundaries, identify potentially undescribed diversity, and provide a stronger taxonomic foundation for future biodiversity and conservation assessments of New Zealand lichens.</p> 2026-09-30T00:53:28Z Image Poster 10.17608/k6.auckland.34022508.v2 https://figshare.com/articles/poster/Beyond_Appearance_Revising_the_Genus_Heterodermia_in_New_Zealand_Using_Morphological_Molecular_and_Chemical_Data/34022508 CC BY 4.0