Bryoria

Bryoria is a genus of lichens in the family Parmeliaceae. The genus was circumscribed by Swedish botanist Erik Acharius in 1803. Bryoria species are characterized by their crustose or foliose thalli, which are typically greenish or grayish in color. They are often found growing on bark, wood, or rocks in temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

The genus Bryoria includes over 100 species, with many of them being widely distributed. Some notable species include Bryoria fuscescens, which is commonly found in Europe and North America, and Bryoria imshaugii, which is native to the Arctic regions. Bryoria lichens are known for their ability to tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions, including low light levels and nutrient-poor substrates.

Bryoria lichens play an important role in the ecosystem by contributing to soil formation and nutrient cycling. They also serve as a food source for various invertebrates and are used in traditional medicine in some cultures. The genus Bryoria is of particular interest to lichenologists due to its diverse morphology and ecological significance.