Lichens : Pertusariales : IcmadophilaceaeLichens

Icmadophila ericetorum (L.) Zahlbr.

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Icmadophila ericetorum

Description: This soil-inhabiting crustose lichen is a soft, granular grey turning to green when wet. It has orange-pink discs (flat and broad or convex) which stand out clearly in the field against the thallus. It is a species of upland and moorland habitats, especially of peaty soil and damp tracks. A dab of fresh bleach (C) has no effect on colour. Mainly north-west Ireland; scattered elsewhere.

Key Identification Features:

  • The flat or convex pink discs on a grey or green thallus overgrowing peaty soil are distinctive
  • The discs are not stalked as in Dibaeis baeomyces which forms crusts with white or pink granules.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Icmadophila ericetorum at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

 Giavarini, Vince J., Simms, Michael J., & Davey, Simon, 2026. Icmadophila ericetorum. (L.) Zahlbr.. [In] Lichen Ireland.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/lichenireland/species.php?item=17478. Accessed on 2026-11-12.