Lichens : Lecanorales : ByssolomataceaeLichens

Micarea incrassata Hedl.

Description: Evidence for the presence of this species in Ireland is based on an old record from North Kerry, but if it still occurs in the vice county it will be in the Reeks range, for this is a montane species of summit soils and low, mossy vegetation. The grey to pale brown verrucose thallus discs <1mm diam. and brown cephalodia present are key characters. A section through the disc, however, will reveal its microscopic characteristics: red-brown hypothecium, lack of purple pigmentation and tendency towards divisions (septa) within the spores.

Key Identification Features:

  • Thallus grey to brown with verrucose areoles, discs <1mm diam., brown cephalodia and red-brown hypothecium
  • Purple pigments absent and frequent septate spores; montane soils.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Micarea incrassata at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

 Giavarini, Vince J., Simms, Michael J., & Davey, Simon, 2026. Micarea incrassata. Hedl.. [In] Lichen Ireland.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/lichenireland/species.php?item=18818. Accessed on 2026-11-12.