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(Map updated: 11 August 2009)

This attractive but extremely rare lichen forms erect, dense tufts a few centimetres tall that are brown-black below, then become greyer above towards the branch tips. The non-sorediate, upright branches have spiky spinules growing out at right angles. The medulla is patchy PD+ red. The lichen favours acid sites above 250m with stable mossy boulders, especially granites. It still occurs in Wexford and Donegal but was formerly more widespread.

Key characteristics

• Appears glossy brown and spiky; form dense tufts on acid rocks and low mossy boulders — granitic rocks especially
• The branches are upright with barbed spinules held at right angles.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini