This lichen is similar to Pachyphiale carneola, with but differs by its spirally curved ascospores that are helically arranged inside the ascus. A boreal species recently discovered in Scotland on a Pine in temperate rain forest within a ravine in western Scotland (W. Inverness) and on Birch in a sub-oceanic Birch stand within a native pinewood site in Speyside (Moray). Subsequently also found in central Wales (Radnor), so this lichens needs to be looked out for in upland woods generally.
Probably previously overlooked but likely to be rare and potentially threatened.
Similar to P. carneola, but with S-shaped ascospores that are helically arranged inside the ascus, 35–60 × 2–2.5µm in size, 7- (to 9-) septate. Little detailed information is accessible on its morphology.
Recently discovered and so far known from Scots Pine in a ravine pinewood in western Scotland (W. Inverness) and Birch in upland pastured woodlands in Speyside (E. Inverness) and mid-Wales (Radnorshire). To be looked for on more acid bark habitats than P. carneola.
So far recorded from the Scotish Highland and mid-Wales, likley more widspead than this but rare.
Currently data deficient, but cetainly threatened.
Cannon, P., Coppins, B., Aptroot, A., Sanderson, A. & Simkin, J. (2024). Ostropales genera I, including Absconditella, Belonia, Clathroporinopsis, Corticifraga, Cryptodiscus, Cryptolechia, Francisrosea, Gomphillus, Gyalecta, Gyalidea, Gyalideopsis, Jamesiella, Karstenia, Nanostictis, Neopetractis, Pachyphiale, Petractis, Phialopsis, Phlyctis, Ramonia, Sagiolechia, Secoliga, Sphaeropezia, Spirographa, Stictis, Thelopsis, Thrombium and Xerotrema. Revisions of British and Irish Lichens 38: 1–60.
Text by Neil A Sanderson