Lichens : Ostropales : PorinaceaeLichens

Porina curnowii (A.L.Sm.) Hafellner & Kalb

Description: This species is restricted to south-west Ireland where it grows in seepage tracks on sheltered siliceous rock near the coast. The cracked thallus is grey-brown and the spherical discs (perithecia) are black. Spores are persistently seven-septate, 37–52µm long, but only 3–5µm wide. It is this last feature which truly distinguishes it from P. guentheri var. guentheri which has wider spores as well as a greater variation in spore septa.

Key Identification Features:

  • Grey-brown cracked thallus with black perithecia; spores seven-septate, narrow
  • Seepage cracks in hard siliceous rocks; near the coast.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Porina curnowii at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

 Giavarini, Vince J., Simms, Michael J., & Davey, Simon, 2026. Porina curnowii. (A.L.Sm.) Hafellner & Kalb. [In] Lichen Ireland.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/lichenireland/species.php?item=19888. Accessed on 2026-11-12.