Ramalina fraxinea

Taxon

Ramalina fraxinea

Authority
(L.) Ach. (1810)
Synonyms
Ramalina fraxinea f. ampliata
Ramalina fraxinea var. calicariformis
Conservation Status
LC Sc IR (Key)
BLS Number
1236
General Description

Thallus with pendant, wrinkled lobes up to 15cm long and 4 cm wide. Lobes are grey-green to brownish on both sides and are solid inside. Well developed specimens have coarsely wrinkled branches with frequent apothecia. Discs are pale fawn.

Identification

Chemistry: Spot reactions negative.


Similar species: Poorly developed specimens resemble R. fastigata but that species has hollow lobes and apothecia confined to the lobe tips. R. canariensis also has hollow lobes but apothecia are rare.

See also Fungi of Great Britain and Ireland

Habitats

Locally frequent on well-lit trees with basic bark. Now rare in many areas. Very sensitive to SO2 pollution and fertilizer-enrichment.

Distribution Map
Key to map date classes
Distribution

East and South England (much decreased), northern England (increasing), Central and East Scotland and East Ireland.

Threats & Status

Declined in areas impacted by sulphur dioxide pollution in the 20th century, with limited recovery as yet, but some recolonisation has been noted

Britain: Notable and an International Responsibility species

References

Species Description PDF


Text by David Brabban & Neil A Sanderson