A small, inconspicuous species that grows in the cracks of rock surfaces, it has a cosmopolitan distribution and has been recorded on all continents, including Antarctica.

The researchers sampled over 300 specimens from populations worldwide and used multiple genetic markers, including the fungal DNA barcode (internal transcribed spacer region).

Their results suggest that L. polytropa, in the broad sense, harbours extensive cryptic diversity, with most candidate species having limited geographic distributions.

This finding highlights the need for a thorough taxonomic revision of the L. polytropa complex using integrative approaches combining genetic, morphological, and ecological data to fully characterise its true biodiversity.

Its tiny thalli can insert into the small depressions and cracks on the rock, helping it gain a foothold and begin surface colonisation even when faced with the weathering associated with high winds and storms.

[17] Lecanora polytropa may be confused with L. fuscobrunnea, which has larger apothecia (up to 1.6 mm wide) that are partially blackened to completely black, and may have a rudimentary stipe.