Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 March 2007
The study of the type material of Buellia ericina (Nyl.) Jatta has revealed that this species is characterized by the same diagnostic characters as Rinodina madeirensis Kalb & Hafellner, and both taxa are here considered to be conspecific. The generic position of Buellia ericina is discussed and it is concluded that the species is better placed within the genus Rinodina (Ach.) Gray. New chemical data on this taxon are provided, and its sorediate variety, R. ericina var. boomii, is described as new from Portugal. Its closest affinities are shown to be with Rinodina kalbii Giralt & Matzer and probably also R. insularis (Arnold) Hafellner.This group stands apart in the family Physciaceae. It shows affinities with Diploicia A. Massal. and is included provisionally in Rinodina.