Collemataceae Enchylium tenax var tenax (Collema tenax) Chemical results: Negative Very variable. Collema tenax var. tenax is the most frequent of three morphs on mortar in walls and on basic soils, sand and clay. Dark green-black thallus (swollen when wet), crowded lobes and red-brown apothecia with smooth margins. Isidia usually absent but large when present and can appear lobe-like. Asci usually 8-spored, spores 3-septate to muriform, 17-26 x 6.5-10.5 µm. Micro photograph below. Lichenicolous fungi include Didymellopsis collematum and D. pulposi Similar: Collema tenax var. ceranoides, rarely fertile, ascending lobes. Collema tenax var. vulgare is no longer a recognised variety. Collema bachmanianum has larger spores, 26-36 x 10-15 µm

Microscope photograph



Enchylium tenax var tenax (Collema tenax)
Godlingston Hill and Dancing Ledge, the Purbecks, Dorset. October 2012 and February 2013