A foliose species with a thallus that is grey to brown when dry and green when wet. The thallus is orbicular with rather palmate lobes that overlap and are white pruinose, especially at the tips. There are often small lobules in the centre of the thallus. Apothecia are very common and have brown to dark brown discs that are covered in a coarse, caster-sugar resembling, pruina. The thick margin may become lobate.
Cortex: K-
In Scotland, Physconia distorta has a mainly eastern and coastal distribution. It is common on well-lit, nutrient-rich bark and rock. BLS distribution map
Physconia distorta is distinguished from Physcia aipolia on basis of the pruina.
scottishlichens.co.uk 