Lichen: Solenopsora holophaea
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Solenopsora holophaea showing the squamulose nature of the thallus.
Name: Solenopsora holophaea (Mont.) Samp.
Pronunciation: Solenospora holophaea
Conservation Evaluation: Least Concern, Nationally Scarce. Body Type: Crustose
Solenopsora holophaea showing the apothecia.
Description: The thallus is composed of a jumble of smooth rounded squamules in an irregular mass. The squamules are olive green when wet and red-brown when dry. The apothecia have a thin well defined rim when young; later this thins as the disc grows out over it. The disc is red-brown to black, often matching the rim colour. The spores are ellipsoid 12 µm by 4 µm.
Chemical Tests: C -, K -, KC -, Pd -, UV -.
Nature Notes: This is a maritime species found on rocks and soil on sheltered cliffs. Looks similar to Psora lurida.
Vice County distribution map of Solenospora holophaea: See Map
Link: Map this species on the Lichen Survey
Other species recorded in Ireland
- Solenopsora candicans (Dicks.) J.Steiner
Text and images © Paul Whelan, 2009.