Psoroglaena


Psoroglaena is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Verrucariaceae. The genus was circumscribed by Johann Müller Argoviensis in 1891, with Psoroglaena cubensis assigned as the type species.

Description

Psoroglaena is characterised by its crustose or minutely filamentous thallus. The cells often feature small . The is Auxenochlorella, a green alga belonging to the class Trebouxiophyceae.
The reproductive structures in this genus are perithecia, which are typically pale brown, though rarely dark brown. The surface of these perithecia is generally smooth, but occasionally may display projecting hyphae or a distinctive ring-shaped collar. The is absent in this genus.
The is usually pale, though it may rarely contain some brown pigmentation. When viewed in cross-section, the cells of the exciple are periclinally elongate, sometimes with a surface layer of isodiametric cells. The consists of, while interascal filaments are absent. The gel within this tissue turns red when treated with iodine.
The asci contain between one and eight spores, are -cylindrical in form, and show thickening at the apex when young. They do not react with iodine or potassium iodide. The are transversely septate to, ellipsoidal in shape, smooth, lack a, and are colourless. Conidiomata have not been observed in this genus. Chemical analysis reveals no detectable lichen substances.

Species