Description: This crustose lichen should be searched for on granitic rocks where the scurfy grey thallus on a black prothallus produces discs (<0.4mm diam.) quite unlike those of other lichens growing on rock. In fact, it is a black carbuncle of discs, arranged in a deflated blackberry-like configuration. The thallus, if spot tested, reacts K+ yellow, Pd + faintly yellow. In Ireland: recorded from Counties Kerry, Waterford, Sligo, Mayo and Leitrim.

Key Identification Features:

• Thallus poorly developed, scurfy grey, prothallus black; discs black, arranged into unmistakable clusters
• On granitic rocks; uncommon.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

Distribution Map from NBN: Miriquidica pycnocarpa f. pycnocarpa at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Miriquidica pycnocarpa f. pycnocarpa at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.