Roccellaceae

Roccellaceae is a family of lichen-forming fungi in the order Arthoniales. These lichens are typically found in coastal or maritime environments, often growing on rocks, bark, or soil. The family comprises about 30 genera and over 200 species. Key characteristics of Roccellaceae include their crustose to somewhat foliose thalli, which can range in color from gray and green to black or even bright red. Many species produce secondary metabolites, some of which have been used historically for dyes and medicinal purposes.

The genus Roccella is perhaps the most well-known within this family, with species like Roccella tinctoria historically used to produce archil, a purple dye. Other genera such as Chroodiscus and Erythricium also exhibit distinctive morphologies and ecological preferences. Roccellaceae are often important components of their ecosystems, contributing to soil formation and providing habitat for invertebrates. The taxonomy of the family has undergone revisions with the advent of molecular phylogenetic studies, refining our understanding of the evolutionary relationships between its various genera and species.