Roccellaceae Roccella phycopsis Growth type fruticose. BLS conservation evaluation: NT NS Cortex C+ red, soralia C-. Medulla yellow at point of attachment Coastal, on N and E dry vertical rock faces, churches, memorials and walls Erect, tufted thallus (to 5cm tall), of pinkish-brown or greyish, rounded or slightly flattened branches. Abundant clusters of whitish soralia, globose and slightly granulose. The rounded black apothecia are very rare, asci 8-spored, spores 3-septate, (14-)18-21(-23) x 4-6 µm, pale brown when old. Micrograph below. Similar: Roccella fuciformis. Strap-shaped thallus to 20cm long

Microscope photograph

Roccella phycopsis
On chert, Portland, Dorset. February 2016