Order: Peltigerales       Family: Placynthiaceae Species: Polychidium muscicola Growth type fruticose. Identification confirmed by Mike Simms Photos: Among moss on upland rock. Ballingeary, Cork, SW Ireland Much-branched thallus of tiny black or brownish strands that form compact cushions or spread over the sub-strate. Apothecia 2mm diameter with red-brown discs. Infrequently recorded in Ireland among moss on damp, siliceous rocks, occasionally at the base of trees. Most records are from north and north-west Scotland. Chemical reactions negative. Similar: P. dendriscum, rare, in old woodlands in SW Ireland

     



Polychidium muscicola growing among moss on acidic rock. Ballingeary area, Co.Cork. February 2009