Pseudocyphellaria
Pseudocyphellaria is a genus of large, leafy lichens that are sometimes referred to as "specklebelly" lichens. The genus has a widespread distribution, especially in south temperate regions, and contains about 170 species. They resemble "Lobaria", except that most species of "Pseudocyphellaria" have conspicuous pseudocyphellae on their lower surface, a characteristic that was once considered unique to this genus. Some species contain pulvinic acid-related pigments; in these species the soredia and pseudocyphellae can be bright yellow. The "Pseudocyphellaria" symbiosis. Many species of "Pseudocyphellaria" are cyanolichens and contain the cyanobacterium "Nostoc" as a photobiont, which allows nitrogen fixation. In some  species of "Pseudocyphellaria" the cyanobacterium is the sole photobiont, while other species also contain the green alga "Dictyochloropsis" and restrict the cyanobacterium to warty cephalodia on the lower surface of the lichen. Some species of "Pseudocyphellaria" appear to be able to use either a cyanobacterium or a green algae as their photobiont. DNA tests have shown that the fungal symbionts in "P. murrayi" (which is in a symbiosis with a cyanobacterium) and "P. rufovirescens" (which is in a symbiosis with a green alga) are actually the same species. This means that "P. murrayi"-"P. rufovirescens" is actually one species of fungus  that is capable of forming two very different lichens, one with a cyanobacterium and one with a green alga. Two other possible pairs of "Pseudocyphellaria" species that may be capable of choosing their photobiont are "P. knightii"-"P. lividofusca", and "P. kookeri"-"P. durietzii". Ecological significance. Most "Pseudocyphellaria" grow on trees in coastal areas, from the subtropics to the boreal zones, although some species can occasionally be found growing on mossy rocks or growing inland. Many species of "Pseudocyphellaria" are restricted to old-growth forests in humid areas, and are therefore threatened by logging. The limited light conditions of dense young forests  can severely decrease the growth of "Pseudocyphellaria crocata" compared to more open, old-growth forests, and the excess of light from clearcuts can also cause damage to the lichen. Because they are often restricted to humid forests in undisturbed areas, species of "Pseudocyphellaria" are often used as indicators of valuable old growth forests. "Pseudocyphellaria rainierensis" is listed as vulnerable in Canada by COSEWIC. "Pseudocyphellaria crocata" has disappeared from much of Scandinavia, a development that has been partly attributed to an increase in grazing from snails, presumably as a result of global warming. In the areas of Scandinavia where "P. crocata  is still found, it seems restricted to growing on smaller twigs that are harder for the snails to reach. Traditional use. Several species of Pseudocyphellaria" can be utilized to produce a brown to orange-brown dye, and some of them have been used to dye wool in Britain and Scandinavia. One species of "Pseudocyphellaria" is used in Madagascar to make a tea used to treat indigestion. Besides being yellow, pulvinic acid derivatives are highly toxic. Any species of "Pseudocyphellaria" that has yellow structures probably contains one of these compounds, and may be toxic if ingested.