Description: Species of Merismatium differ from Polyblastia only by their lichenicolous lifestyle. Known to grow on the thallus of Protoblastenia calva and P. rupestris on limestone rock the species is much under-recorded in Ireland. The submuriform spores (13–15µm long) lack a surrounding perispore and contain approximately three to four cells. Places such as the Burren contain the ideal habitats to enable you to get to know this species.

Key Identification Features:

• Grows on the thallus of Protoblastenia calva and P. rupestris
• Spores submuriform with approx. 3–4 cells, without a perispore.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Merismatium discrepans at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.