A molecular phylogeny of the Lepidozia generic complex supports re-circumscription of the Lepidozioideae

Five molecular markers (chloroplast rbcL and trnL-trnF, mitochondrial nad5-nad4, and nuclear ITS1 and ITS2) were used to investigate membership of the Lepidoziaceae, subfamily Lepidozioideae and relationships between its constituent species. The Lepidozioideae (comprising Lepidozia, Telaranea, Kurzia, Sprucella, Psiloclada) are polyphyletic as are two of its five constituent genera (Telaranea and Kurzia). We find strong support for a monophyletic lineage comprising Lepidozia, Sprucella (nested within Lepidozia), and part of Telaranea. Within this lineage we find partial support for four main clades. Three clades of Telaranea species form consecutive sister relationships to a monophyletic Lepidozia. Relationships within Lepidozia are incompletely resolved. We provide a re-circumscription of the Lepidozioideae that excludes Kurzia, Psiloclada and elements of Telaranea.

Highlights► We provide the most comprehensive phylogeny of Lepidoziaceae subfamily Lepidozioideae to date. ► We provide a re-circumscription of the Lepidozioideae that excludes Kurzia, Psiloclada and elements of Telaranea. ► Well supported clades provide the foundation for a future taxonomic revision.