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(Map updated: 11 August 2009)

This lichen overgrows those dry soils of woodland banks where small tree roots have become exposed due to ground movements, windthrow or storms. Small, green-grey, granular patches can emerge after a few wet winters and then become covered in tiny blue-black spots which are the Micarea-sized discs. The tiny club-shaped spores are simple, 4–7 x 1–2µm. In Ireland, the species is rare.

Key characteristics

• Thallus tiny, green-grey overgrowing soil-covered tree roots exposed by movement or storm damage
• Discs: blue-black spots; spores simple, club-shaped.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini