Tassiloa

Tassiloa is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Teloschistaceae. It has two species.

Taxonomy
The genus was circumscribed in 2015 by lichenologists Sergey Kondratyuk, Ingvar Kärnefelt, Arne Thell, Elix and Jae-Seoun Hur. According to their molecular phylogenetic analysis, Tassiloa appears as a sister group to the genus Catenarina, in the subfamily Teloschistoideae of family Teloschistaceae. The genus name honours German lichenologist Tassilo Feuerer.

Description
Tassiloa is identifiable by its vibrant orange colouration. Its thallus can range from a crustose appearance to a more elevated, form. The surface of the thallus may be either smooth or have a denser texture. This genus is further characterized by that are reminiscent of terete (i.e., cylindrical or slightly tapering) isidia in structure. These lobules or isidia stand out predominantly and align vertically. When considering reproductive attributes, the of Tassiloa can be categorized as either  or. Its has a  tissue structure. In terms of chemistry, Tassiloa contains anthraquinones, notably those linked with the parietin.

Habitat and distribution
Tassiloa digitaurea is found growing on rock surfaces, detritus, and even over other lichen species. These habitats are typically located within exposed outcrops amidst shrub vegetation and grasslands in coastal regions. Notably, while they are found in coastal areas, their habitats are not strictly maritime. T. wetmorei is parasitic (lichenicolous), targeting various host lichens found on non-calcareous rocks.

Tassiloa species are native to both the American continents. T. digitaurea is identified in southern Patagonia. Meanwhile, T. wetmorei has been recorded in the Sonoran Desert located in southwestern North America.

Species

 * Tassiloa digitaurea
 * Tassiloa wetmorei

The taxon Tassiloa magellanica is now known by its original name, Caloplaca magellanica.