The distribution and biogeographical affinities of species of Hypotrachyna, Parmotrema and their allied genera in the Pacific region are discussed. The continental islands of New Guinea and New Caledonia have strong endemic and Indo-Malayan elements, and an additional Australian influence exists in the Parmotrema flora of these islands reflecting former Gondwanan connections. The oceanic islands of Hawaii, Rarotonga and the Galápagos support mostly pantropical and/or cosmopolitan elements. However, when these elements are excluded, the predominant influence is Pacific-American, although in Rarotonga there is a small Indo-Malayan element, while in Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island, in the south-western Pacific, the Australian element is dominant