A diversity of distribution patterns exhibited by South African lichens is presented, including some ubiquitous (more or less cosmopolitan) species and a number of endemics. These are few compared with the high number of endemics among the vascular plant flora. Steppe and desert species best represented in the arid areas, montane species growing at high altitudes, oceanic species predominant in humid wooded districts in the south and the east, and maritime species (mainly confined to sea rocks) form fairly well-defined groups. Species also known from other regions in the Southern Hemisphere (South America and/or Australia/New Zealand) are highly interesting to the phytogeographer. A fascicle Lichenes for Flora of Southern Africa, with the collaboration of many specialists in lichen taxonomy, is being planned