Porinaceae

Porinaceae is a family of lichen-forming fungi in the order Gyalectales. While Trichotheliaceae was proposed as an alternative, Porinaceae is the widely accepted name following ongoing nomenclatural discussions. Most members of this family typically have a crust-like appearance and grow on a variety of surfaces, including tree bark, leaves, and rocks. Porinaceae is known for its diverse morphology, ranging from simple crust-like forms to more complex structures with distinct lobes or fan-shaped scales. Porinaceae species generate small, typically flask-shaped reproductive structures (perithecia), which house spores essential for reproduction. It includes nine recognised genera and more than 365 species, with significant diversity in tropical and subtropical regions.

Recent research has illuminated the complex evolutionary history and taxonomic challenges within the family. Molecular phylogenetics research has identified numerous distinct groups within Porinaceae, leading to debates about its classification and nomenclature. Discoveries of genera with distinctive features, such as Flabelloporina, Saxiloba, and Gallaicolichen, have broadened the understanding of the Porinaceae's diversity. These findings have also challenged traditional classification methods, as the relationship between physical characteristics and genetic relationships is not always straightforward. Lichens in the Porinaceae have diverse habitat preferences across a range of climatic zones.