Description: Easily overlooked as a Thelotrema, Topeliopsis azorica belongs to a small band of Macaronesian lichens which occur in epiphytic habitats in south-west Ireland. In this species the Thelotrema petractoides–like discs are curiously sooty-speckled and this is a key distinguishing feature to look out for in the field as the thallus is largely filmy or immersed. The elongate-ellipsoid spores are large in the asci, beautifully muriform and only one or two together. It is known only from Killarney, County Kerry.

Key Identification Features:

• Discs similar to those of Thelotrema petractoides, small, slightly sooty and more excavate
• Spores muriform, massive: a stretched ellipse with rounded ends, one or two/ascus; a rare species of extreme oceanic woodland.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Topeliopsis azorica at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.