Family: Pilocarpaceae Species: Micarea nitschkeana Growth type crustose Photos: Commeen West, Co. Cork, SW Ireland. Apothecia are convex to sub-globose, the discs grey to black but usually paler in shade. Spores are (1-)3(-4) septate, often curved, 10-17(-19) x 2.5-3(-3.5) µm. Micrographs below. Widespread in Ireland, and can be common on small branches and twigs of acid-barked trees and shrubs, especially Calluna, Erica and Gorse. Chemistry: Thallus and apothecia K-, C+/- orange-red. Upper hymenium and pycnidia K+ violet Similar: Micarea denigrata.

Micrographs



Micarea nitschkeana. June 2025