Thallus corticolous, delimited by a distinct byssoid prothallus of white, radiating hyphae; thallus surface grayish to greenish white, ecorticate, cottony, in parts almost granular, in the center densely covered by slightly darker, compact globular to ±cylindrical pseudisidia containing a central pycnidium; medulla white, filled with colorless to pale brownish granules and sparse calcium oxalate crystals (insoluble in KOH, forming colorless, needle-shaped crystals in 25% H2SO4); asci not observed; pycnidia embedded within pseudisidia, opening with an aeruginose ostiole, pigmentation occasionally ±extending along the pycnidial wall, conidiophores simple, with oblong to bacilliform conidia, 3-4 x 1-1.5  μm.

Spot tests and chemistry: P+ deep golden yellow, K-, C-, KC-, UV- (dull), ILugol’s-; psoromic acid.

Distribution and ecology: Pantropical, new to Galapagos and Ecuador; the few known specimens were collected in the agricultural areas of the humid zone of Santa Cruz, all growing on introduced trees and shrubs (Cedrela odorata, Cestrum auriculatum), in shaded and sheltered habitats.

Specimens examined: Ecuador: Galapagos: Isla Santa Cruz, abandoned farm along the northern part of the loop road from Bellavista to Garrapatero, 0°40’58”S, 90°18’31”W, alt. 255m, humid zone, agricultural area, on bark, 19-Feb-2006, Aptroot 64328 (CDS 30893); 19-Feb-2006, Aptroot 64330 (CDS 30895); along the trail down into the crater at Camote, 0°38’17”S, 90°17’42”W, alt. 418 m, humid zone, on bark, 19-Feb-2007, Bungartz 5616 (CDS 33241).

from:
Bungartz, F., Dútan, V. & Elix, J.A. (2013) The lichen genera Cryptothecia, Herpothallon and Helminthocarpon (Arthoniales) in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador. The Lichenologist 45(6): 1–24.