Click on map to open large map in new window
(Map updated: 11 August 2009)

Exotic and beautiful T. chrysophthalmus is a small shrubby lichen of coastal salt marsh edges and orchards. The compact orange tufts of narrow, branched lobes colonize well-illuminated, dusty twigs at sites where, overnight, the air is replenished with water vapour. When fertile the orange discs are fringed with spiny fibrils resembling eyelashes. Lichenologists who find it think they have gone to heaven. Unmistakable. South-west Ireland.

Key characteristics

• Shrubby lichen forming orange tufts (to 1cm high) with branched lobes terminating in bright orange discs edged with spines (fibrils)
• Blackthorn scrub, especially by creeks by the sea.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini