Prionothallus xiphoides

Prionothallus xiphoides is a member of the lichenized fungal genus Prionothallus, which is part of the family Pallaviciniaceae. This species was first documented by Hook.f. & Taylor and later reclassified and formally published in 2021 by Mamontov, Vilnet, and Schäf.-Verw. The species is characterized by morphological and molecular features typical of the genus, including a saxicolous (rock-dwelling) growth habit and a thallus structure adapted to its ecological niche. The name xiphoides refers to a sword-like shape, likely describing a morphological trait of the species. The taxonomic placement in the Pallaviciniaceae reflects its phylogenetic relationships within the lichenized fungi.