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© Mike Simms

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(Map updated: 11 August 2009)

The thallus of this lichen forms extensive patches on the vertical walls of weakly calcareous buildings and outcrops, especially churches. It is easily mistaken for some forms of L. albescens and lichens of the former L. ‘dispersa’ complex of lichens which have an abundantly fertile white to pale grey thallus commonly found growing on the external walls of buildings everywhere. L. conferta is generally frosted with pruina but has a distinctive C+ orange, UV+ bright pink reaction. In Ireland, the species has been recorded in Counties Dublin and Tyrone.

Key characteristics

• Thallus frosted and crowded with tiny pale grey-brown discs with a thick margin, also with a frosty bloom, C+ orange, UV+ bright pink
• On vertical calcareous and basic sandstone walls; also other basic rocks.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini