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(Map updated: 11 August 2009)

This is a small, common, crustose species with a pale grey, thinly defined thallus occurring on the trunks and branches of basic-barked trees. The tiny hemispherical discs (0.2-0.8mm diam.) are pale to dark brown. It occurs fairly frequently in suitable habitats throughout Ireland.

Key characteristics

• The hemispherical, brownish fruits indicate this species. The equally frequent Bacidia laurocerasi has generally larger (to 1mm diam.) and more convex darker discs
• The size and paleness of the discs helps to separate it from lookalikes; the nature of the habitat is also helpful.

Original text submitted by Simon Davey