Lethariella
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| Lethariella | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Lethariella canariensis | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Lecanorales |
| Family: | Parmeliaceae |
| Genus: | Lethariella (Motyka) Krog (1976) |
| Type species | |
| Lethariella intricata (Moris) Krog (1976) | |
| Species | |
|
See text | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Lethariella is a genus of fruticose lichens in the family Parmeliaceae. The genus was originally proposed as a subgenus of Usnea by Polish lichenologist Józef Motyka in his 1936 monograph of that genus.[2] Norwegian botanist Hildur Krog elevated the taxon to generic status in 1976.[3]
Three species of Lethariella are used by ethnic peoples of Yunnan Province (China) as a component of purported health-promoting tea: Lethariella cashmeriana, L. sernanderi, and L. sinensis.[4] Species of Lethariella found in the Himalayas are also used as a component of Tibetan incense because of their fragrance, and are sold commercially in China.[5]
