Understanding the evolution of phenotypical characters in the Micarea prasina group (Pilocarpaceae) and descriptions of six new species within the group

Six new species are described from Europe. Phylogenetic analyses, based on three loci, i.e. mtSSU rDNA, and ITS rDNA and ancestral state reconstructions, were used to evaluate infra-group divisions and the role of secondary metabolites and selected morphological characters on the taxonomy in the group. Two main lineages were found within the group. The clade consists of twelve species, including the long-known and the newly described , and . Within this clade, most species produce methoxymicareic acid, with the exceptions of and producing gyrophoric acid. The clade includes the newly described closely related to s.str., sp. nov. and sp. nov. The species within this clade are characterised by the production of micareic acid, with the exception of which lacks any detectable substances and that produces prasinic acid. Based on our reconstructions, it was concluded that the ancestor of the group probably had a thallus consisting of goniocysts, which were lost several times during evolution, while isidia and soredia evolved independently at multiple times. Our research supported the view that the ancestor of group did not produce any secondary substances, but they were gained independently in different lineages, such as methoxymicareic acid which is restricted to and allied species or micareic acid present in the clade.