Description: Formerly in the genus Melanelia, the thallus of this small foliose lichen is brown, mostly smooth and shiny and densely isidiate (covered in brown, solid, erect, peg-like outgrowths). The lower surface is pale brown. All spot tests are negative. This is a rare species currently known only from County Galway in Ireland. Usually on acid-bark trees with some nutrient enrichment.

Key Identification Features:

• Brown, foliose thallus with negative spot tests and abundant small, solid and erect, coral-like isidia; twigs and bark of nutrient-enriched acid-barked trees
• All lookalike species have either a C+ red medulla or hollow or flattened isidia.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Melanohalea elegantula at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.