Irish lichens

Squamarina cartilaginea

Family: Squamarinaceae

Species: Squamarina cartilaginea

Growth type squamulose.
Photos: Inland on calcareous rock. The Burren, Co. Clare, Ireland

Variable, the pale yellow-green to brown-green squamules are +/- pruinose and form loose or tightly overlapping crusts. The apothecia have brown to red-brown flat or concave discs that become irregularly convex with margins +/- excluded. Asci 8-spored, spores simple, (10-)12-14(-15) x (4-)4.5-6 µm.

Scattered, mainly coastal distribution in Ireland in crevices in limestone cliffs and on hard calcareous rocks, mosses and soil.

Two chemotypes occur. Morphs with P+ yellow medulla appear confined to coastal sites, morphs with P- medulla also occur inland.


Squamarina cartilaginea

Squamarina cartilaginea

Squamarina cartilaginea
Squamarina cartilaginea July 2009

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