THE PARMELIACEAE FAMILY (LICHENIZED ASCOMYCOTA) FROM LA RIOJA PROVINCE, ARGENTINA

Background and aims: results of a taxonomic study on Parmeliaceae family (lichenized Ascomycota) from La Rioja province are presented, as part of a long time study to list and know the lichen biota from central - west of Argentina. M&M: an extensive collection was made in different phytogeographycal units and altitudinal belts in the main mountains chains of the province territory. The species were identified using morphological, anatomical and chemical observations. Results & conclusions: forty one species were identified of which twenty nine are the first mention to La Rioja province and one species, Psiloparmelia arhizinosa is recorded for the first time for the country. Keys to genera and species were made and their distinctive characteristics together with the local distribution are mentioned. The identified species belong to the parmelioid clades Hypotrachyna, Parmotrema, and Xanthoparmelia; and to the non-parmelioid lichens clades Psiloparmelia and Usnea.