Irish lichens

Graphis scripta
Order: Ostropales       Family: Graphidaceae

Species: Graphis scripta

Growth type crustose, graphid.

Very variable. Smooth or wrinkled white or grey thallus with curved or stellate apothecia. Centres of lirellae open, +/- white pruinose. Similar to G. elegans but carbonaceous margins are raised and unfurrowed. Asci 8-spored, spores 5-15 septate, 25-70 x 6-10 µm. Mature spores are colourless but may become brown when old. Microscope photographs below. Chemistry negative.

Very common on smooth barked trees, branches and twigs. K-, P- One of the main species of the Graphidion lichen community found on smooth hazel stems.

Sometimes parasitised by Stigmidium microspilum


Graphis scripta



Microscope photographs
Graphis scripta,micro photo

Graphis scripta
Graphis scripta. Co. Cork, SW Ireland. January 2010 and 2012

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