Description: This crustose species (the classic ‘scripture’ lichen) has a thin, white or grey, smooth to wrinkled thallus. The unfurrowed, black, worm-like discs (lirellae) are variably arranged, sometimes in parallel rows but more often as a mixed frieze of evenly spaced, curved or inverted, single or double-looped shapes (like a miniature collage scattered evenly over a white canvas) the ends tapering to a point. Each has a central slit which, when fully expanded, may be faintly frosted over with a thin layer of white pruina. Common on tree twigs, branches and trunks.

Key Identification Features:

• The discs are unfurrowed and often pruinose
• Like black curvilinear scratch marks on parchment.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

Distribution Map from NBN: Graphis scripta s. lat. at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Graphis scripta s. lat. at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.