Description: Like its lookalike relative Gyalecta truncigena (described elsewhere) the small orange-cream discs (0.2-0.4mm diam.) of this species appear sunk in the damp, nutrient tracks of basic-barked trees. However, it is much rarer — you would probably find fifty of G. truncigena to one of G. flotowiana. The reason for this is still a mystery but under the microscope the spores of this species have far fewer cells (<6 usually). In Ireland, it is known only from Waterford and Clare.

Key Identification Features:

• Separated from G. truncigena by the near spherical, fewer-celled spores
• Associated with the rain tracks of basic-barked trees, for example, ash, sycamore.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Gyalecta flotovii at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.