Pannaria

Pannaria is a genus of lichenized fungi in the family Pannariaceae. These lichens are typically found growing on bark, moss, or soil. The thallus, or vegetative body of the lichen, can vary in form, often being crustose or slightly foliose, meaning it can be either tightly attached to the substrate or have small, loosely attached lobes. The surface of the thallus is usually smooth or slightly granular, and its color can range from gray to greenish or brownish. The underside of the thallus is often dark, with prominent rhizines, which are root-like structures that anchor the lichen. The apothecia, which are the fruiting bodies, are typically disc-shaped and can be reddish-brown to dark brown in color. Pannaria lichens are distributed across various temperate and boreal regions of the world. Identification of species within the genus often relies on microscopic examination of the spores and chemical analysis of secondary metabolites. Some species of Pannaria are considered indicators of air quality, as they are sensitive to pollution.