Tuckermannaceae

Tuckermannaceae is a small family of lichen-forming fungi in the order Lecanorales. The family currently contains only one genus, Tuckermannopsis, with a few recognized species. These lichens are typically found in alpine and subalpine environments, often growing on rocks and soil. A characteristic feature of Tuckermannaceae is their lobed thallus, which can be somewhat leathery or brittle. The upper surface of the thallus is usually a greenish-gray to brownish color, and it may have small, scattered apothecia (fruiting bodies) that are disc-shaped and reddish-brown. The underside of the thallus is typically pale and may have rhizines, which are root-like structures that anchor the lichen. Reproduction in Tuckermannaceae is primarily through spores produced in apothecia, and some species may also reproduce asexually through soredia or isidia. The phylogenetic placement of Tuckermannaceae within the Lecanorales is based on molecular data, though its exact relationships with other families are still being investigated. These lichens are often overlooked due to their small size and preference for remote habitats, but they play a role in the ecology of their environments, contributing to soil formation and providing habitat for invertebrates.