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(Map updated: 11 August 2009)

This tropical species is an uncommon but very distinctive bark epiphyte growing best on ash in areas of established woodland in the north and west of Ireland. The most striking feature in the field is the olivaceous colour of the thallus when wet, bearing numerous tiny black, stick-like macroconidia. Discs, when present, have spores 6.5-14.5µm long which do not break into part spores when squashed. It is known currently in Ireland from Counties Fermanagh, Kerry and Clare (The Burren).

Key characteristics

• Thallus striking, olivaceous, spreading from bark to cover mosses; mostly on ash in western Ireland
• Black, stick-like structures occur frequently on the thallus (they resemble the pycnidia of some Micarea species).

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini