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© Mike Simms

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(Map updated: 11 August 2009)

Like its familiar lookalike P. tenella, this is one of the most characteristic and abundant small foliose lichen species of nutrient-enriched habitats in Ireland. It grows almost equally well on limestone memorials and graveyard headstones as on nutrient-rich tree bark, twigs and branches. It forms patches of scattered plants with inflated, helmet-shaped lobe ends and whiskery hair-like cilia. Soredia (clusters of fungal hyphae and algae) are produced within the swollen lobe ends. Fruiting discs are black and grey-frosted.

Key characteristics

• Small species, grey, whiskery and foliose with thallus minutely white-dotted
• Lobe tips inflated and helmet-shaped; these tear to expose soredia.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini