Classification of Lichens

A number of classification systems have been proposed for lichens over time, reflecting their complex symbiotic nature and the diversity of criteria used by different scientist.

The classification system proposed by Zahlbruckner (1926) is outlined below.

Class Lichens

Sub-class Ascolichens

Order Gynocarpeae

Sub-order Conicocarpineae - Caliciaceae, Cypheliaceae, Sphaerophoraceae.

Sub-order Cyclocarpineae - Acarosporaceae, Buelliaceae, Byssolomataceae, Caloplacaceae, Chrysothricaceae, Cladoniaceae, Coenogoniaceae, Collemataceae, Diploschistaceae, Ectolechiaceae, Ephebaceae, Gyalectaceae, Gyrophoraceae, Heppiaceae, Lecanactidaceae, Lecanoraceae, Lecideaceae, Lichinaceae, Pannariaceae, Parmeliaceae, Peltigeraceae, Pertusariaceae, Phyllopsoraceae, Pyrenopsidacaeae, Physciaceae, Stictaceae, Teloschistaceae, Thelotremataceae, Usneaceae.

Sub-order Graphidineae - Arthoniaceae, Chiodectonaceae, Dirinaceae, Graphidaceae, Roccellaceae.

Order Pyrenocarpeae - Astrotheliaceae, Dermatocarpaceae, Epigloeaceae, Mastodiaceae, Moriolaceae, Mycoporaceae, Paratheliaceae, Phyllopyreniaceae, Pyrenidiaceae, Pyrenothamniaceae, Pyrenotrichaceae, Pyrenulaceae, Strigulaceae, Trypetheliaceae, Verrucariaceae, Xanthpyreniaceae.

Sub-class Hymenolichens

Sub-class Lichens Imperfecti

At present, lichens are classified in accordance with the modern fungal classification system proposed by Wijayawardene et. al. ,2024 which is widely accepted.