Lichens : Pertusariales : PertusariaceaeLichens

Pertusaria dealbescens (Ach.) Hafellner

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Pertusaria dealbescens

Description: This pale grey to white, rock-inhabiting crustose species occurs commonly on acid rocks in upland areas where it can be found on drystone wall field boundaries as well as on outcrops and boulders. The small, white soralia are reminiscent of those of P. amara or P. lactea but it is K+ brown-red, and C-. The soralia are not bitter tasting. It is scattered throughout upland Ireland.

Key Identification Features:

  • It is best separated using chemical spot tests. The C-, K+ brownish red and Pd+ red reactions serve to confirm it. The similar Pertusaria lactea is C+ red
  • Never encountered with discs.

Original text submitted by Simon Davey

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

iNaturalist: Pertusaria dealbescens at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

 Giavarini, Vince J., Simms, Michael J., & Davey, Simon, 2026. Pertusaria dealbescens. (Ach.) Hafellner. [In] Lichen Ireland.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/lichenireland/species.php?item=19390. Accessed on 2026-11-12.