Gonotichia

Gonotichia
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Lichinomycetes
Order: Lichinales
Family: Lichinellaceae
Genus: Gonotichia
M.Schultz & M.Prieto (2024)
Type species
Gonotichia octosporella
(Lettau) M.Schultz & M.Prieto (2024)
Species

G. depauperata
G. octosporella

Gonotichia is a small genus of cyanolichens (lichens that partner with cyanobacteria) in the family Lichinellaceae. The genus was established in 2024 as part of a major reorganisation of cyanolichen classification based on DNA studies, and contains just two species that form tiny, dark crusts on sun-exposed rocks. These lichens are characterised by their distinctive reproductive structures that develop as swellings within the lichen body rather than as separate disc-like structures on the surface.