Lecidea

Lecidea is a genus of crustose lichens, meaning they grow in a crust-like manner on surfaces like rocks and tree trunks. Lichens themselves are composite organisms formed from a symbiotic relationship between algae or cyanobacteria (which photosynthesize) and one or more fungi. The fungal component provides structure and protection, while the photosynthetic partner supplies nutrients. The taxonomy of lichens is complex due to their dual nature. Lecidea is distinguished by its typically dark hypothecium, a layer beneath the spore-producing structures.1234