Candelariaceae

Candelariaceae is a family of lichen-forming fungi in the order Candelariales. It contains seven genera and about 73 species of lichens that are typically characterised by their bright yellow colour. These lichens have diverse growth forms, including crusty, scaly, and small leaf-like structures, and are found worldwide, particularly in arid and mountainous regions of both hemispheres. The family includes well-known genera such as Candelaria, Candelariella, and Placomaronea, with their classification continuing to evolve based on molecular studies. Recent phylogenies find Candelina and Placomaronea to be well supported, but many relationships among Candelaria and Candelariella lineages remain unresolved.