Abstract: Twenty five genera and 51 species of lichens were found during a taxonomic survey of lichens on tea trees in Yunnan. 45 of the species were found for the first time on tea trees . Lepraria lobificans and Protoblastenia amagiensis are
new to China and 20 other species are new to Yunnan . Lichens were found to affect the growth of trees and the quality of tea in the following ways: 1. Acidic substances formed during the growth of the lichens can damage vascular tissues of the trunk and cause premature aging of the tea tree ; 2 . Lichens near the tips of stems can disturb shoot growth , and consequently
, reduce the quality and quantity of tea leaf production .

Key words: Tea tree