Irish lichens Lichenicolous fungi
BLS map
Xanthoriicola physciae
Ascomycota       Incertae sedis

Species: Xanthoriicola physciae

Lichenicolous fungus parasitic on Xanthoria parietina
Photos: Co. Cork, SW Ireland.

Brown, septate hyphae immersed in the host apothecia. Dark conidiophores produce warty, brown, globose conidia that turn the apothecia and then the surrounding dead thallus black and 'sooty' in appearance. Conidia 4-6 x 4-6 µm. Micrographs below.

Widespread and can be locally common. It has been recorded on both Xanthoria parietina and X. polycarpa.

Similar: Arthonia parietinaria is found on Xanthoria parietina, the spores 1-septate


Xanthoriicola physciae

Xanthoriicola physciae

Microscope photographs
Xanthoriicola physciae, conidia

Xanthoriicola physciae, conidia
Xanthoriicola physciae on Xanthoria parietina. May 2012

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