This research describes a new species of fungal lichen discovered in China that provides important insights into how fungi evolved to form symbiotic relationships with algae. The discovery is significant because it shows that closely related fungi can include both lichen-forming and non-lichen-forming species, helping us better understand fungal evolution. Impacts on everyday life: – Improves our understanding of how organisms form beneficial partnerships in nature – Helps scientists better classify and identify fungal species – Contributes to knowledge about biodiversity in urban environments – Advances methods for detecting symbiotic relationships in fungi – Could lead to better understanding of how organisms adapt to different environments