Description: This is a characteristic species of stabilised, wet peaty soils. It consists of a grey granular thallus, with peg-like stalks resembling tiny, inflated rubber cylinders. It is relatively frequent in suitable habitats throughout Ireland.

Key Identification Features:

• The low, short, rounded, finger-like stalks (podetia) growing on damp, peaty soils immediately indicate this species. When dry these structures are hollow and easily damaged
• This species is rarely confused with other species. Cladonia uncialis is also hollow inside but is much larger, yellower and has branched, spiky tips.

Original text submitted by Simon Davey

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

iNaturalist: Pycnothelia papillaria at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.