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(Map updated: 11 August 2009)

This shy, foliose lichen with grey to brown thallus and upturned rounded lobes edged with granular soralia that can spread in ridges across the thallus, occurs most often on the bases of mossy trees, especially ash or hazel or in willow swamp. It may also occur on mossy rocks in the west and south-west. It is frequently associated with woodland that has long continuity. It is most often seen in west and south-west Ireland. In the east, it is rarer.

Key characteristics

• The generally grey, sorediate thallus is quite unlike other Sticta species
• Peltigera collina has a similar appearance, but is immediately distinguished by the root-like rhizinae and ridges on the underside
• Nephroma parile is also sorediate, but is generally brown, and unlike Sticta limbata, that has a felted lower surface with circular bare patches, the lower surface is smooth.

Original text submitted by Simon Davey