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(Map updated: 11 August 2009)

This rare, closely attached, brown foliose lichen is a granite specialist in Ireland and is known only from the Mourne Mountains of County Down. The lobes are shiny and broad only towards the margins, which are also covered in white speckle-like dots (pseudocyphellae). Tiny finger-like isidia which easily erode into soredia cover the centre and older parts of the thallus. Exposed patches of medulla respond C+ pink to a dab of fresh bleach. It grows best on south-facing granite outcrops.

Key characteristics

• Dark brown leafy lichen with lobes shiny and widest towards the margins; lobes ends also with small white dots or pseudocyphellae
• Granular or stick-like isidia cover the older parts; on granitic rock, medulla C+ pink.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini