A foliose lichen species with a whitish to pale grey thallus that is not pruinose. The lobe tips are raised and carry long, marginal cilia with darker tips. The apex of the lobes become hood-shaped and inflated, and expose an internal mass of cream to yellowish soredia. When fertile, the apothecia are held on short stalks. The discs are black and pruinose with tumid margins.
Cortex: K+ yellow. Medulla: K-
Physcia adscendens is widespread in the eastern half of Scotland, taking on a coastal distribution in the west. It is found on well-lit, nutrient-rich and nutrient-enriched bark of trees as well as well-lit calcareous rock, including gravestones. BLS distribution map
Physcia adscendens can grow intermixed with Physcia tenella.
Physcia adscendens can be difficult to distinguish from Physcia tenella, but it is useful to look out for hooded and inflated, rather than flat, lobes.
scottishlichens.co.uk 