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Newly added lichens

Under The Lens

New name: Melanohalea exasperata

Melanohalea exasperata

The name change took place in 2004, so the old name Melanelia exasperata is still in use. This hand-lens view photo shows the characteristic papillae on the upper surface of the thallus, evenly scattered and with flat tops. Simple rhizines can be seen projecting beyond the lobe margins. Apothecia are common on this species and they have discs of reddish brown to dark olive green with thick margins lined with warts. The species tends to be found …read more

Lichen Watch

A red lichen for a red data book

Pyrenula dermatodes growing on holly

Pyrenula dermatodes is a real rarity, not only in Ireland, but in Europe in general. The often reddish lichen forms large patches on holly in oceanic woodlands. There are few undisturbed oceanic types of woodland left in Ireland and consequently few specimens of Pyrenula dermatodes. This is a perfect example of ’save the habitat to save the species’. Where it does occur, it is often common; several trees within a 100m or so can have …read more