Frank Dobson (author of the popular and well-respected "Lichens - An Illustrated Guide") has recently published a new "Field Key to Lichens on Trees". This book contains colour photographs and illustrated keys. These keys use only characters that are visible in the field, by eye, or under a x10 hand lens. This combination enables the user to identify over 500 species of lichens which are likely to be found on trees. There is also a supplementary key to 'Lichens on sawn wood' (such as posts, fences or benches). All the species descriptions include a distribution map for the British Isles.
This book gives information for three methods of identification: 1) simple comparison with colour photographs of 128 of the commoner species; 2) colour photos in combination with a table of characters; 3) advanced keys covering all 500 species included in the book..
The use of technical words is kept to a minimum and an illustrated glossary is provided. The book also includes an introduction to lichens and their identification and an extensive section on the relationship of lichens and trees, a list of species included in the keys and a bibliography.
For durability and ease of use in the field, the book is spirally bound in wire and printed on thin card with stouter covers.
Size 250 x 180 mm. 110 pages including 8 colour plates.
Copies can be ordered directly from Frank Dobson at a price of £15 (plus p&p). Download an order form with further details from the links below. You can also download a sample page.
