| Gilbertaria | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Lecanorales |
| Family: | Sphaerophoraceae |
| Genus: | Gilbertaria M.Svensson & Fryday (2022) |
| Type species | |
| Gilbertaria contristans (Nyl.) M.Svensson & Fryday (2022)
| |
| Species | |
Gilbertaria is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Sphaerophoraceae,[1][2] comprising four species of crustose lichens found primarily in arctic and alpine environments. The genus is characterised by its thin, crust-like growth on rocks and dead plant material, black button-like reproductive structures (apothecia), and frequent association with blue-green algae of the genus Stigonema. Molecular studies published in 2022 revealed that several previously misunderstood species, formerly classified in different genera, formed a distinct evolutionary lineage. The genus is unique within its family as the only member with a crustose growth form, and is named in honour of the British lichenologist Oliver Gilbert. Most species occur in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in areas where snow persists late into the growing season, with one species known from the Falkland Islands.