Psorotichia

Psorotichia
Psorotichia murorum; scale bar=5 mm
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Lichinomycetes
Order: Lichinales
Family: Lichinaceae
Genus: Psorotichia
A.Massal. (1855)
Type species
Psorotichia murorum
A.Massal. (1855)
Synonyms
  • Gonohymeniomyces Cif. & Tomas. (1953)
  • Psorotichiomyces Cif. & Tomas. (1953)
  • Tichospora A.Massal. ex Horw. (1912)

Psorotichia is a genus of saxicolous (rock-dwelling) lichens in the family Lichinaceae. The genus can be distinguished from other rock-dwelling lichens by its distinctive dark colouration and granular texture. Unlike many lichens that form leafy or branched structures, Psorotichia species create only thin, crusty patches that blend closely with the rock surface. Their small fruiting bodies are often difficult to spot without magnification, appearing as tiny dark dots embedded in the crust.