Description: If one looks closely at the tiny leafy lichens growing on nutrient-enriched surfaces, such as the lower branches of an ash or a sycamore or along a line of concrete fence tops, then it is likely that the pale brown rosettes of this species will be among them. The circular thallus, the spreading lobes that expand and divide near the tip where attachment organs (rhizinae) may protrude, and mass of globose soralia, speckled blue, green or black, these are the most obvious distinguishing features.

Key Identification Features:

• Grey to brown circular thalli form spreading rings on nutrient-rich surfaces
• The lobes expand towards their tips revealing root-like rhizinae. The upper surface meanwhile, is densely scattered with green speckled soralia.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Phaeophyscia orbicularis at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.