Irish lichens

Arthopyrenia salicis

Order: Incertae sedis       Family: Arthopyreniaceae

Species: Arthopyrenia salicis

Growth type crustose. Identified by Brian Coppins and J Douglass
Photos: On Ash and Sycamore. Co. Cork, SW Ireland.

Thallus +/- inconspicuous, pale to darker brown, sometimes pinkish when fresh. Not always lichenised, the Trentepholia cells in the thalli can be abundant or undetectable. Small pimple-like perithecia, the ostiole (pore-like opening) often +/- sunken. Spores colourless, 1-septate, 14-17 x 4-5.5 µm. Cells constricted at septum, lower cell often with a median constriction. Micro photos below.
Chemical reactions negative.

Widespread throughout Ireland on smooth bark, especially Hazel.

Similar: Arthopyrenia punctiformis and A. nitescens
Mycomicrothelia confusa has brown spores.


Arthopyrenia salicis

Arthopyrenia salicis

Arthopyrenia salicis

Microscope photographs
Arthopyrenia salicis

Arthopyrenia salicis
Arthopyrenia salicis January 2010 and 2012

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