Description: This tiny ‘pin head’ lichen grows exclusively on the twigs of alder by streams away from polluted areas. The tiny discs sit on the tops of stalks which remain opaque even in the wet, lending the lichen the shape of a pin. The best way to search is from the side as the entire fruiting body is only 1mm tall and therefore, hard to see. Twigs should be examined about 30cm back from the growing tip. Throughout Ireland.

Key Identification Features:

• ‘Pin head’ lichen, on twigs and small branches of alder
• Pins approximately 1mm tall so best to search for them with a hand lens or magnifying glass; unpolluted streams and riverbanks.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

Distribution Map from NBN: Stenocybe pullatula at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Stenocybe pullatula at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.