[1] It comprises two species of jelly lichens, characterised by their small size, gelatinous nature when wet, and distinctive reproductive structures.

Paracollema lichens form small, leafy thalli up to 1 cm in diameter, with dark olive green to brownish colouration.

Both known species are primarily epiphytic and have a limited distribution in southern Europe and northern Africa, typically found in Mediterranean or semi-arid climates.

The genus Paracollema was circumscribed by Mónica Otálora and Mats Wedin in 2013,[2] but this initial publication was not considered valid due to a misprint of the required identifier number.

[3] The genus was later validated by Wedin, Otálora and Per Magnus Jørgensen in 2017, officially establishing Paracollema as a recognised taxonomic entity.

[2] Phylogenetic studies have shown that Paracollema forms a distinct clade within the Collemataceae, separate from Collema and other related genera.

These lichens form small thalli, reaching up to 1 cm in diameter, which are dark olive green to brownish in colour.

Unlike some related genera, Paracollema lacks a cortex, which is a protective outer layer of tightly packed fungal cells.