The lichen genus Parmelia (Parmeliaceae, Ascomycota) in Belarus

Four hundred eighty-three specimens of the genus Parmelia collected in Belarus were examined. Four species, P. ernstiae, P. saxatilis, P. serrana and P. sulcata, were identified in this study. The distribution of these species in Belarus is reviewed. Parmelia saxatilis appeared to be an extremely rare species in Belarus known from a single locality. Parmelia ernstiae is reported from Belarus for the first time. The presence of Parmelia fraudans and P. submontana has not been confirmed, and they are therefore excluded from the Belarusian list of lichen species. Morphological and chemical characters of the isidiate and corticolous species Parmelia ernstiae and P. serrana are briefly discussed.