XVI International Botanical Congess

Although Cladonia and Cladina include some of the most conspicuous fruticose lichens, relationships between and within these genera are poorly understood. Cladonia includes over 400 species in seven sections. Cladina, with over 50 species, is often included within Cladonia. We are examining phylogenetic relationships among these sections and genera using multiple gene sequences. Preliminary analyses of rDNA ITS place six sections of Cladonia in three groups: Cladonia/Ascyphiferae/Helopodium, Cocciferae/Perviae, and Unciales. Surprisingly, Cladina appears paraphyletic relative to sect. Unciales. Our further studies will examine the relationship between Cladina and Cladonia.