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.

     



Microscope photograph

Verrucaria maura. December 2008 and April 2012