Anomomorpha lecanorina

Anomomorpha lecanorina forms large, pale grey crustose patches, with a smooth upper surface that is delimited by a dark brown prothallus line. The ascomata are rounded, 1–3 mm wide, and have a distinct thalloid margin. The ascospores are hyaline, somewhat muriform, with 4 by 1–2 locules, and measure 10–15 by 7 μm. A key distinguishing feature is the iodine (I)-negative hymenium and I+ dark-violet, muriform spores, which are indicative of the Graphidaceae.^[2]

The lichen's secondary chemistry is also unusual, as it produces constictic acid, whereas most other Anomomorpha species have norstictic acid. No pycnidia have been observed in this species.^[2]

Anomomorpha lecanorina was originally described from three specimens collected from the Reserva Biológica San Francisco in the province of Zamora-Chinchipe, southern Ecuador. It is found in montane primary forests at elevations of 2,000–2,500 m (6,600–8,200 ft). Two of the specimens were collected in the canopy of Elaeagia obovata trees, which have a relatively acidic bark. The region where Anomomorpha lecanorina is found appears to be particularly rich in locally endemic lichens. For example, three endemic Hypotrachyna species have been reported from the same area.^[2] A. lecanorina was later reported from the Ecuadorian Andes.^[3]