Irish lichens

Lecanora persimilis

Order: Lecanorales       Family: Lecanoraceae

Species: Myriolecis persimilis (Lecanora persimilis)

Growth type crustose.
Photos: On Ash twigs. Co. Cork, SW Ireland.

Inconspicuos, evanescent greyish thallus often forming small, roundish patches between other twig lichens. Tiny (0.2-0.5mm) crowded apothecia, discs flat, orange or dark brown, the margins slightly raised. Ascus 8-spored, spores simple, 11-14 x 6-8 µm. Easily overlooked. Microscope photograph below.

Pioneer species on twigs and small branches of neutral-barked deciduous shrubs and trees, especially Ash, Oak, Elder. Widespread but under-recorded. Chemical reactions negative.
Often with Caloplaca cerinella, Lecania cyrtella, L. naegellii

Similar: Lecanora sambuci has asci with 8+, usually 16-32 spores


Lecanora persimilis

Lecanora persimilis

Microscope photograph
Lecanora persimilis
Lecanora persimilis October 2009 and January 2012

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