Lichens : Caliciales : PhysciaceaeLichens

Rinodina sicula H.Mayrhofer & Poelt

Description: This is a lichen of coastal, siliceous rock cliff crevices where it is tolerant of some nutrient enrichment. At inland sites, the undersides of sheltered rock overhangs are favoured. The thallus is greyish-brown to black, sometimes with a tinge of mauve. The closely aggregated discs – slightly raised in shaded situations – have a thick rim (exciple). All reactions are negative. Spores are on the large side (to 23µm long). In Ireland, the species is known from a few localities, for example, the Glenderlough mica-schist, County Wicklow.

Key Identification Features:

  • Thallus without soredia or isidia; grey-brown to black with a mauve tinge; discs crowded
  • Coastal siliceous rock crevices and inland schistose cliffs; spores17–23µm long.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Rinodina sicula at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.

 Giavarini, Vince J., Simms, Michael J., & Davey, Simon, 2026. Rinodina sicula. H.Mayrhofer & Poelt. [In] Lichen Ireland.
https://www.habitas.org.uk/lichenireland/species.php?item=39782. Accessed on 2026-11-12.