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(Map updated: 11 August 2009)

This charming and well-loved tree-canopy species is about as close as lichens get to resembling a bunch of flowers. In this species the ‘flower heads’ are represented by the discs. These are edged with a ring of slender branchlets while the stems have a pimply (papillate) surface. The point of attachment is blackened. The whole thallus has a shrubby or tufted appearance. In Ireland, records of this species are thinly scattered.

Key characteristics

• Grey-green shrubby tree-top species (though the trees need not be tall); usually fertile, the discs round and flattened and rimmed with eyelash-like branchlets
• Main stems minutely pimpled; blackened base with horizontal cracking.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini