Teloschistopsis
Teloschistopsis is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Teloschistaceae. It has three species.
Taxonomy
The genus was circumscribed by Patrik Frödén, Ulrik Søchting, and Ulf Arup in 2013, as part of a molecular phylogenetics-led restructuring of the Teloschistaceae. The genus names alludes to resemblance to the genus Teloschistes. They assigned Teloschistopsis chrysocarpoides as the type species; This species was originally described as a member of Teloschistes by Edvard August Vainio in 1900.
Description
Teloschistopsis is characterized by a leaf-like to shrub-like structure. This lichen is robust, predominantly grey in colour, but can have orange spots or take on a more yellowish to orange hue. The species Teloschistopsis chrysocarpoides is particularly notable for its leaf-like structure with hair-like structures on its upper surface and a fully cracked underside that reveals its inner layer. Most other species in this genus have a rounded exterior that is usually covered with a protective layer, devoid of hair-like structures. This protective layer has a complex cellular structure and often features large, light patches. The reproductive structures of Teloschistopsis are in form. Its spores have a unique developmental process, are generally oval in shape, and have short to medium dividing lines that produce spore-like cells. These conidia are usually oval, but can sometimes appear more elongated or even rod-shaped.
Species