Irish lichens

Verrucaria maura
Order: Verrucariales       Family: Verrucariaceae

Species: Hydropunctaria maura (Verrucaria maura)

Growth type crustose.
Photos: On coastal rocks and wall. Co. Cork, SW Ireland.

Areolate black thallus (dull-brown in shade) with numerous cracks and a rough, warted surface, often giving the appearance of spilt oil. Perithecia are +/- immersed to prominent. The spores are simple, (14-)15-17.5(-18) x (7.5-)8-9.5(-10.5) µm. Micro photo below.
Chemical reactions negative.

Common on rocky coasts forming the 'black zone'. Extends from below HWM to some distance above and develops best on exposed shores.


Verrucaria maura       Verrucaria maura

Verrucaria maura

Microscope photograph
Verrucaria maura, spores
Verrucaria maura. December 2008 and April 2012

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