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(Map updated: 11 August 2009)

This grey-brown lichen consisting of more or less circular, leathery lobes with ragged edges is held close to the substrate by a tough gristly holdfast. The species grows in cracks and fissures at the base of damp, sheltered calcareous outcrops both inland and along sea cliffs. The surface of the thallus is minutely spotted with tiny, black, flask-shaped fruits. It is relatively common on suitable habitat throughout Ireland.

Key characteristics

• The habitat and centrally positioned single holdfast serves to indicate the identity of this species. Lookalikes occur mostly in streams and rivers and by upland tarns
• Umbilicaria species grow mainly on siliceous rock in upland situations (a totally different habitat), and are separated by the much larger discs with elevated, spiral ridges.

NBN Atlas mapping: Species account : NBN Atlas UK Species Observations database

iNaturalist: Species account : iNaturalist World Species Observations database

Original text submitted by Simon Davey