| Lithothelium kiritea | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Eurotiomycetes |
| Order: | Pyrenulales |
| Family: | Pyrenulaceae |
| Genus: | Lithothelium |
| Species: | L. kiritea |
| Binomial name | |
| Lithothelium kiritea | |
Lithothelium kiritea is a species of corticolous (bark-dwelling) lichen in the family Pyrenulaceae. Found in New Zealand, it was formally described as a new species in 2024. The lichen exclusively grows on the bark of Cordyline australis .
The species was described in 2024 by Andrew J. Marshall, André Aptroot, Peter de Lange and Dan Blanchon. [1] The type specimen collected from Whatipu on the west coast of the Waitākere Ranges in March 2024, from the bark of Cordyline australis . The holotype is kept at the herbarium of Unitec Institute of Technology in Mount Albert. [1] The species epithet, kiritea, is based on the Māori language word meaning white skinned, bestowed on the species after discussions with the west coast Auckland iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki. [1]
The species can be distinguished from Lithothelium australe , found on the Chatham Islands, due to it growing on trees and not rocks, as well as by having larger spores and appearing whiter with age. [1]
Lithothelium kiritea is primarily found in coastal areas of the western coast of the mainland of New Zealand, and grows exclusively on the bark of Cordyline australis . [1] As of 2025 the species has only been found in New Zealand and is classed as an endemic species, [2] however due to its westerly distribution and the lack of historical specimen data, it is theorised to be a recent adventive species from Australia. [1]
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