A foliose lichen with a green to green-brown thallus that is shiny, adpressed and has short lobes that widen to shallow, notches apices. The simple or coralloid isidia often become crowded in the centre of the thallus. These isidia do not become sorediate, but leave white scars when eroded.
Cortex: C-. Medulla: C+ red, K+- purple, UV-
Melanelixia glabratula is common throughout Scotland and found on trees, especially the trunks, and fences. It is rarely found on rocks. BLS distribution map
Melanelixia glabratula is distinguished from Melanelixia fulignosa on basis of its green to green-brown, rather than its very dark brown to almost black, colour. It is distinguished from Melanelixia subaurifera on basis of the glossy rather than matt thallus and the white rather than yellowish scars where isidia erode.
scottishlichens.co.uk 