Abstract
Taxonomic studies on the lichen genus Heterodermia in India revealed a hitherto unknown species, which is here described as new: H. upretii Y. Joshi, S. Upadhyay & K. Chandra. It is characterized by a grayish, ±pruinose thallus, corticated lower surface, yellowish-orange P+ red medulla and Polyblastidium-type ascospores with sporoblastidia. The species is reported from temperate regions of Champawat and Pithoragarh districts of Kumaun Himalaya and was found colonizing rocks, barks and twigs of various trees. Description and figures are provided and the new taxon is compared with similar Heterodermia species.