Ground Rag Lichens

Asahinea is a genus of lichen-forming fungi in the family Parmeliaceae. The genus has a widespread circumpolar distribution, and contains four species. The species form medium to large, leaf-like, yellowish to brownish crusts on rocks and plant debris in open arctic and alpine habitats, and can be conspicuous in the field; A. chrysantha in particular produces bright yellow rosettes that stand out against the tundra. The genus is named in honour of the Japanese lichenologist Yasuhiko Asahina, who made foundational contributions to the understanding of lichen chemistry in the twentieth century.