A fruticose lichen that consists of pale green to yellow-green, flattened, rather narrow branches that are often weekly caniculate and arise from a compact holdfast. Along the margins of the branches there are oval or disc-like soralia with farinose soredia. Apothecia are rare.
Four chemotypes. Medulla and soralia: 1) K- or K+ dirty orange, UV-; 2) K+ yellow turning red, UV-: 3) K-, UV+ blue-white; 4) K-, UV-
Ramalina farinacea is common throughout Scotland and is usually found on nutrient-rich or nutrient-enriched bark, fenceposts, and sometimes of rocks. BLS distribution map
Ramalina farinacea can be distinguished from other common Ramalina species on trees by the presence of oval or disc-like soralia along the margins of the branches. Both Ramalina fastigiata and Ramalina fraxinea have apothecia. Though the growth form and colour of Ramalina farinacea and Evernia prunastri appear similar and the two species grow in close vicinity, Ramalina farinacea is fruticose and Evernia prunastri foliose and Ramalina farinacea lacks any ridges on its surface.
scottishlichens.co.uk 