| Erinacellus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Peltigerales |
| Genus: | Erinacellus T.Sprib., Muggia & Tønsberg (2014) |
| Type species | |
| Erinacellus dendroides (Henssen) T.Sprib., Tønsberg & Muggia (2014)
| |
| Species | |
Erinacellus is a genus of lichen-forming fungi of uncertain familial placement in the order Peltigerales.[1][2] It consists of two species. These lichens are characterised by their dense, cushion-like growths composed of erect, thread-like branches, which resemble miniature hedgehogs. The genus was established in 2014 and is named after the hedgehog genus Erinaceus, reflecting its appearance. Erinacellus forms a symbiotic relationship with Hyphomorpha, a type of cyanobacteria. While the genus is placed within the order Peltigerales, its exact position within this group remains uncertain. The two species, E. dendroides and E. schmidtii, are found in different parts of the world, with E. dendroides occurring in New Zealand and North America, and E. schmidtii in Thailand and Sri Lanka. These lichens typically grow in moist environments, such as coastal areas and tropical regions, and can be found on both rocks and tree bark.