Description: This robust and widespread, non-sorediate, non-isidiate, foliose lichen forms large (to 10cm diam.) flattened disc-shaped patches on nutrient-enriched or basic-barked trees. The lobes are divided like the fingers of a hand and are frosted over with white pruina towards the edges and the tips. Colour varies from shiny olive (in wet state) to dark brown (when dry). White-frosted discs with thick margins are often present.

Key Identification Features:

• This species lacks soredia, and is usually fertile
• The finger-like branching pattern of the lobes is distinctive.

Original text submitted by Simon Davey

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

iNaturalist: Physconia distorta at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.