Caliciaceae Buellia aethalea Growth type crustose Chemistry: K+/- yellow going red, C-, P+/- yellow-orange, UV- or negative Often a pioneer species on acidic rocks, pebbles and dry stone walls. Mosaic-forming areolate thallus, often less than 2cm diameter with black prothallus. Areoles pale to dark grey, sometimes tinged brownish. Apothecia abundant, immersed with small black discs. Pycnidia rare. Spores 1-septate 13-18 x 6-8 µm. Microscope photographs below. Similar: Buellia ocellata, greenish-yellow thallus, C+ orange. Placopyrenium fuscellum, chemical reactions negative.

Microscope photographs



Buellia aethalea
Sturminster Marshall and Lytchett Minster, Dorset. March 2014, December 2016