Micareaceae Micarea nitschkeana Growth type crustose Chemical results: Thallus and apothecia K-, C+/- orange-red. Upper hymenium and pycnidia K+ violet Can be common on small branches and twigs of acid-barked trees and shrubs, especially Calluna, Erica and Gorse. Very similar to Micarea denigrata. Apothecia convex to sub-globose, discs grey to black but pale in shade. Spores are (1-)3(-4) septate, often curved, 10-17(-19) x 2.5-3(-3.5) µm. Microscope photograph below.

Microscope photograph

Micarea nitschkeana
Studland Heath, Dorset. November 2013 and April 2014