Ochrolechia is the sole genus in the fungal family Ochrolechiaceae. It comprises about 40 species of crustose lichens. These lichens typically form uneven, often thick, crust-like growths on various surfaces and are characterised by their white to pale grey thalli, which may have a greenish tint. The genus has a long evolutionary history, with fossils dating back to the Paleogene period, about 34 million years ago. Ochrolechia species have disc-like apothecia (fruiting bodies), which are usually yellowish or brownish-pink and often covered with a fine white powdery coating.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Crawfish Lichen being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Lecanora rupicola
- Pertusaria plittiana
- Xalocoa ocellata
- Diploschistes scruposus
- Circinaria calcarea
- Pertusaria californica
Classification
- Kingdom
- Fungi
- Phylum
- Ascomycota
- Class
- Lecanoromycetes
- Order
- Pertusariales
- Family
- Ochrolechiaceae
- Genus
- Ochrolechia
- Species
- Ochrolechia parella
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