Irish lichens

Amandinea punctata
Family: Caliciaceae

Species: Amandinea punctata

Growth type crustose.
Photos: Urban tree trunks, Co. Cork, SW Ireland.

Very variable. Thallus pale to dark grey, inconspicuous, thin or thick, prothallus rarely present. Numerous flat to slightly convex, small black apothecia with thin margins. Pycnidia are sparse.
Asci are 8-spored, spores 1-septate, 10-18 x 5-10 µm, brown when mature. Microscope photographs below.
Chemical reactions usually negative, very rarely K+ pale yellow.

Widespread on nutrient-rich bark and wood, also nutrient enriched rocks and debris. Tolerates pollution and inorganic fertilisers

Similar: Lecidella elaeochroma. C+ orange. Spores simple


Amandinea punctata



Microscope photographs
Amandinea punctata, ascus and spores

Amandinea punctata, ascus and spores

Amandinea punctata, ascus and spores
Amandinea punctata May 2010

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