Puffed sunken-disk lichens
Scientific name: Lobothallia
Puffed sunken-disk lichens
Scientific name: Lobothallia
Photo By Jennifer Rycenga , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original Description
Puffed sunken-disk lichens is a lichen genus found on rocks in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide. It forms thick, crusty growths that are often pale gray or whitish in color. These lichens are slow-growing and can survive extreme temperature changes and long periods of drought. Some species in this group play a role in soil formation by breaking down rock surfaces over time.