Aridoplaca

About

Aridoplaca is a fungal genus in the family Teloschistaceae. It is a monotypic genus, containing the single saxicolous (rock-dwelling) squamulose lichen species Aridoplaca peltata, found in South America. This lichen forms vivid orange-red, scaly patches on rocks in the high-elevation deserts of the Andes mountains, where it endures extreme conditions including intense solar radiation and arid climates. It is recognized by its shield-like scales and abundant small, reddish fruiting bodies that give it a wart-like appearance.

Summary from Wikipedia