a genus of lichens of the family Nephromaceae. The thallus is foliaceous. The Nephroma differ from the majority of lichens in the formation of fruiting bodies, or apothecia, on the lower surface of the thallus. There are 45 species, distributed throughout the terrestrial globe, particularly in tundras, in coniferous forests, and high in the mountains. They grow in soil among mosses, on moss-covered rocks, and on the trunks and branches of trees. The Nephroma contain lichen acids. The lichens are eaten by reindeer.