Graphis is two genera: A remarkable case of parallel evolution in lichenized Ascomycota.

Molecular phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial small subunit and nuclear large subunit ribosomal DNA re- vealed that the lichen genus Graphis sensu Staiger represents two separate lineages. Graphis s.str. comprises the species of the G. scripta and G. subserpentina groups (`Eugraphis'), as well as the G. striatula group sensu Lucking. For the segregate genus, the name ,4llographa Chevall. is available, and this genus includes the G. acharii, G. dussii, G. marginata, G. nuda, and G. symplecta groups. The separation of both lineages is supported by principal component analysis species ordination based on phenotype characters, although the G. dussii and G. subserpentina groups appear phenotypically intermediate. Species formerly placed in Hemithecium subg. Hemithecium sensu Staiger were shown to belong to at least four lineages, one nested within Graphis (H. implicatum), one within Allographa (H. chiorocarpum), one sister to Allographa (H. rufopallidum), and one nested within the Phaeographis dade (H. plicosum). Allographa is genetically close to the bulk of lirellate Graphidaceae (Diorygma, Glyphis, Pallidogranime, Phaeographis, Platygramme, Platythecium, Sarcographa, Thalloloma, Thecaria), whereas Graphis s.str. exhibits unique genetic apomorphies and takes a more isolated position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]