Lepra corallina is a species of saxicolous (rock-dwelling) crustose lichen in the family Pertusariaceae. First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1767 as Lichen corallinus, it was long known as Pertusaria corallina until molecular studies showed that Pertusaria in its traditional sense was not a natural group; the species was transferred to Lepra in 2016. The lichen forms a thick whitish to grey crust on acidic, lime-free rocks and is characterized by abundant coral-like isidia that often cover much of the surface. Fertile structures are rare. When present, they appear as small wart-like swellings containing a few apothecia with very large, two-spored asci.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Lepra corallina 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
- Ochrolechia yasudae
- Lecanora rupicola
- Diploschistes actinostomus
- Diploschistes scruposus
- Aspicilia cinerea
- Coccotrema maritimum
Classification
- Kingdom
- Fungi
- Phylum
- Ascomycota
- Class
- Lecanoromycetes
- Order
- Pertusariales
- Family
- Pertusariaceae
- Genus
- Lepra
- Species
- Lepra corallina
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