Violella wangii

Violella wangii is a widespread, but seldom-collected species of crustose lichen in the family Tephromelataceae. It is found in mountainous areas of Bhutan, China, India and the Russian Far East. The lichen forms small, pale grey crusty patches on tree bark and weathered wood, typically at high elevations where cool, misty conditions prevail. Despite its wide distribution across Asia's mountain ranges, it remained unknown to science until the 21st century due to its remote habitat and inconspicuous appearance.