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(Map updated: 11 August 2009)

Very thin thalli of what might be presumed to be Collema tenax var. tenax are always good candidates for this species, especially when seen growing on damp clay or exposed, soft cliff faces. In spells of dry weather the thallus can seem to almost disappear. It may be distinguished from C. tenax var. tenax by the (two-) to four-spored asci (spore sacs), larger muriform spores (28-34ųm long) and the thin, poorly developed thallus which barely swells when wetted. In Ireland, the species is local but widely scattered.

Key characteristics

• The thin, verrucose thallus with spores around 30ųm long
• On clay or sandy soils, or estuarine or coastal soft cliff faces.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini