Pseudophyllinia

Pseudophyllinia is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Parmeliaceae. The genus was established by the Swedish lichenologist Bertil J. Swinscow in 1966. Lichens in this genus are characterized by their foliose thallus, which is typically lobed and somewhat loosely attached to the substrate. The upper surface of the thallus can vary in color, often exhibiting shades of green, gray, or brown, and may be smooth or somewhat wrinkled. Pseudophyllinia species are found in various habitats, commonly growing on bark, soil, or rocks. Their distribution is primarily in tropical and subtropical regions.

The reproductive structures of Pseudophyllinia, known as apothecia, are typically lecanorine or lecideine, with the disc colored brown or black. Spores are simple, hyaline, and ellipsoid. While superficially resembling other foliose lichens, Pseudophyllinia can be distinguished by a combination of morphological and chemical characteristics. Chemical analysis, often involving thin-layer chromatography or high-performance liquid chromatography, is frequently used to identify species and understand their ecological relationships. Research into Pseudophyllinia contributes to the broader understanding of lichen diversity and evolution within the Parmeliaceae family.