Bryoria is a genus of lichenized fungi in the family Parmeliaceae. Many members of this genus are known as horsehair lichens. The genus has a widespread distribution, especially in boreal and cool temperate areas.

Taxonomy

Bryoria was circumscribed in 1977 by lichenologists Irwin Brodo and David Hawksworth, with Bryoria trichodes as the type species.

Description

Bryoria species are fruticose, slender and hair-like, tending to grow hanging (pendent) or like a small bush. They range in colour from dark brown to pale greyish brown to grey in some species. Ascospores are colourless, ellipsoid, numbering eight per ascus. Other hair-like lichens that may be confused with Bryoria include dark brown species of Bryocaulon, Nodobryoria, Pseudephebe, Alectoria, or Cetraria.

Habitat and distribution

Found almost exclusively on conifers, or on tundra soil, Bryoria collectively has a widespread distribution, especially in boreal and cool temperate areas.

Species