Lichen: Bryoria fuscescens
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Name: Bryoria fuscescens (Gyeln.) Brodo & D.Hawksw.
Pronunciation: Bryoria fuscesens
Bryoria fuscescens. Note the white soralia on the branches.
Conservation Evaluation: Least Concern
Body Type: Fruticose
General Description: The pendent thallus can be as long as 60 cm although typically it falls within the range of 5 cm to 20 cm. The branching is irregular, with the circular branches twisting. Branches are generally dark brown with diameters of 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm. White soralia are common (wider than branch diameters). Pseudocyphellae are absent. This is the most common species in Ireland.
Nature Notes: The species is moderately sensitive to air pollution (SO2 levels) in general and highly intolerant of Ammonia pollution. Grows typically on conifer trees and birches, it can also grow on mosses, old walls, and silica-rich rocks. Just four species have been recorded in Ireland.
Chemical Tests: K-, C-, KC-, P+ red, P-.
Vice County Distribution of Bryoria fuscescens: See Map.
Link: Map this species on the Lichen Survey
Other species recorded in Ireland
- Bryoria bicolor (Ehrh.) Brodo & D.Hawskw.
- Bryoria capillaris (Ach.) Brodo & D.Hawksw.
- Bryoria fuscescens (Gyeln.) Brodo & D.Hawksw.
- Bryoria subcana (Nyl. ex Stizenb.) Brodo & D.Hawksw.
Text & Images Copyright Paul Whelan, 2008.