Description: This rarity is a small spongy species forming dense black cushions or tufts in limestone rock. The branches of the lichen are squat with swollen ends, sometimes with discs. Small fossil cavities in limestone boulders, and low outcrops and crevices between slabby rock ledges are key habitats. After wetting, the thallus can resemble a blackberry stuck fast in a rock hollow. It prefers damp but well-illuminated situations. In Ireland, it is known from Counties Clare, Galway and Sligo but was previously more widespread.

Key Identification Features:

• It forms dense, black, blackberry-like cushions in limestone rock crevices
• The branches are squat with swollen ends, sometimes with discs.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Synalissa ramulosa at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.