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(Map updated: 11 August 2009)

This lichen is not unlike the coastal species Cladonia foliacea. Growing on the exposed peaty soils of rock outcrops, ledges and old, dry stone walls, the striking features are the large, crisped pale yellow (K-) scales (squamules) which form the thallus. Using a lens, it is best to check the underside of the squamules which have a cottony (not smooth) texture. Discs are very rare. North-east and south-east Ireland.

Key characteristics

• The crisped, pale yellow (K-, Pd-) squamules (to 1cm long) with cottony undersurfaces and habitat of peaty rocks should be sufficient to determine this species
• Cladonia foliacea (which is Pd+red) has deeply-cut squamules and smoother undersurfaces that are never cottony.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini