Opeltia shares similarities with
Blastenia. However, it can be distinguished by certain key characteristics. The
thallus of
Opeltia has a
crustose form, appearing to with an abrupt margin. Its colouration varies, typically presenting in shades of whitish, dirty white, and occasional yellowish tones.
Opeltia lacks asexual
propagules or
soredia. The
apothecia of
Opeltia are , occasionally manifesting as , biatorine, or . The distinctive feature is the dark reddish-orange to rusty brown colouration of the apothecial . The in
Opeltia has a structure in the basal portion, transitioning into a mesodermatous paraplectenchymatous form with a well-developed matrix. A noteworthy trait is the presence of oil in the
hymenium and subhymenium. Reproduction in
Opeltia is characterized by eight-spored
asci and ascospores that can be quite variable in shape. ==Habitat and distribution==