Order: Lichinales       Family: Lichinaceae Species: Lichina confinis Growth type fruticose. Identification confirmed by Mike Simms Photos: On coastal rock above HWM. Dunmanus Bay, Cork, Ireland The very small, bushy, blackish thallus is less than 5mm high and forms dense mats or loose cushions with many rounded branches. Spherical apothecia occur on the branch tips, the spores simple, ellipsoid, 12-18 x 10-15 µm. Found on well-lit sheltered coastal rocks above the high water mark. Chemical reations negative. Similar: Lichina pygmaea. Larger, occurs below HWM

Lichina confinis. Dunmanus Bay, Co.Cork. March 2009