Lichens : Lecanorales : PsilolechiaceaeLichens

Psilolechia lucida (Ach.) M.Choisy

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Psilolechia lucida

Description: This striking yellow-green lichen is a common sight on shaded siliceous rocks, for example, sandstones, and the shaded brickwork of old buildings. It is relatively insensitive to industrial pollution. It consists of a powdery crust often spreading extensively over the substrate. It is occasionally fertile, with rather pale, small, yellowish-beige discs. Under a UV lamp it is dull to bright orange which helps to separate it from some similarly coloured sterile species.

Key Identification Features:

  • The yellow-green, powdery thallus is distinctive, especially when growing on headstones in local churchyards and cemeteries
  • Dry, shady situations are ideal conditions for it.

Original text submitted by Simon Davey

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

iNaturalist: Psilolechia lucida at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

 Giavarini, Vince J., Simms, Michael J., & Davey, Simon, 2026. Psilolechia lucida. (Ach.) M.Choisy. [In] Lichen Ireland.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/lichenireland/species.php?item=18964. Accessed on 2026-11-12.