Irish lichens

Arthopyrenia nitescens
Order: Incertae sedis       Family: Arthopyreniaceae

Species: Arthopyrenia nitescens
Bark pimple lichen

Growth type crustose. Identified by Brian Coppins
Photos: On dead Holly branch. Ballingeary, Co. Cork, SW Ireland.

The lichenized thallus is whitish beige, usually pinkish when fresh. The tiny circular to ellipsoid perithecia (0.15-0.2mm length) can be scattered or concentrated into patches. Pycnidia are frequent. Ascospores are 1-septate with indistinct perispores.

Mainly found on smooth bark of Hazel in old, species-rich woodlands and river valleys. Scattered records from north and west Ireland. Chemical reactions negative.

Photographs also show Mycoporum antecellens (whitish thallus).


Arthopyrenia nitescens


Arthopyrenia nitescens
Arthopyrenia nitescens. January 2010

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