Physcia tenella Physciaceae
Physcia tenella

Chemical results: Thallus K+ yellow. Medulla K-

A pioneer species on nutrient-rich branches and twigs, occasional on rock.
Associated lichenicolous fungi include Illosporiopsis christiansenii, Syzygospora physciacearum, Tubeufia heterodermiae, Lichenoconium lichenicola Marchandiomyces corallinus and M. aurantiacus

Small, +/- erect, grey-white lobes (greener when wet) with small pseudocyphellae and long, whitish cilia. Lobe ends split revealing lip-shaped, creamy soralia. Dark brown-black, pruinose apothecia. Micro photo below.

Similar: Physcia adscendens. Hood-shaped lobe tips.
Physcia dubia. Pseudocyphellae and cilia absent, acidic substrates


Physcia tenella

Physcia tenella

Physcia tenella

Microscope photograph
Physcia tenella, spores
Physcia tenella.

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