Identification key to the macrolichens genera of the North Caucasus. I. Foliose, fruticose, squamose
The lichen flora study was carried out in the framework of the project “North Caucasian Lichen Flora: taxonomic structure, diversity, specificity, systematic of individual taxa and contribution to the diversity of the lichen flora of Russia” supported by of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research. The North Caucasus, a part of the Caucasian biodiversity hotspot region, is characterized by the richest lichen flora. At present, about 2030 species (including allied non-lichenized fungi) are recorded in the North Caucasian lichen flora. However, large areas of the North Caucasus, especially in the central and east parts of the region, remain poorly explored. Therefore, extensive researches in various regions of the North Caucasus are very necessary. The lichen flora of any region is strongly influenced by many factors - geography, geology, climate and vegetation. Therefore, it is best to use a key covering a region close to where lichens were collected. Unfortunately, the lack of special guide for the Caucasus has held back the study of Caucasian lichens at the present time. The primary step in the identification of any lichen taxa is the definition of its genus. The dichotomous keys to c. 140 macrolichens genera (foliose, fruticose and squamose), including all taxa that have been reliably reported for the North Caucasus lichen flora, are provided for the first time. These keys are the first stage in creating a manual for identification of lichens known in the North Caucasus.