The hidden diversity of lichenized Trebouxiophyceae (Chlorophyta).

The class Trebouxiophyceae is comprised of coccoid to ellipsoid unicells, filaments, blades and colony-forming species of green algae occurring in diverse terrestrial and aquatic environments. Some representatives have evolved parasitic heterotrophic lifestyles, others have been investigated for their biotechnological potential and others have evolved as integral components of lichen symbioses. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of diversity, taxonomy and evolutionary context for the important lichen-forming algal class Trebouxiophyceae (Chlorophyta). In particular, we focus on members of the family Trebouxiaceae (Trebouxiales), the best-known, most widespre…