Lichen: Calicium viride
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Individual apothecia showing the pin-head shape.
Cluster of apothecia.
Overview, note the green thallus.
VC map, Calicium viride.
Name: Calicium viride Pers.
Pronunciation: Calcium viride
Conservation Evaluation: Least Concern
Body Type: Crustose – granular
Description: This is a tiny pin-head lichen. The heads or apothecia are black and less than 2mm high. The thallus is verdigris green, sometimes with a sulphurous tint. The underside of the apothecia may be pruinose. The thallus may be partially immersed in the substrate.
Chemical Tests: All negative, UV+.
Nature Notes: Found on acid trees, conifers and oak for example, hidden in dry crevices. Typical of coniferous woodlands.
Vice county distribution map: See Map
Link: Map this species on the Lichen Survey
Other species recorded in Ireland:
- Calicium abietinum Pers.
- Calicium diploellum Nyl.
- Calicium glaucellum Ach.
- Calicium lenticulare Ach.
- Calicium quercinum Pers.
- Calicium salicinum Pers.
Text and images © Paul Whelan, 2009.