If you are ever lucky enough to happen across the stunning Menegazzia terebrata while examining a tree branch leant across a stream in an oceanic woodland, then check that it is not this, different, species by examining the soralia (white powdery spots) at the lobe tips. In M. subsimilis these are lip-shaped, split and perforated, very often curved upwards, the ends proliferating further. Currently only known from opposite ends of Ireland, Counties Antrim and south Kerry.

Key characteristics

• Soralia lip-shaped and perforated
• Often the soralia are curved upwards with further spurs of proliferation.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini