Dark Shadow Lichen

Phaeophyscia sciastra, commonly known as the dark shadow lichen or the five o'clock shadow, is a widespread species of foliose lichen in the family Physciaceae. This rock-dwelling species tend to form rosettes on sun-exposed rocks, especially sandstone. The thalli, which grow up to 5 cm (2.0 in) in diameter and are closely attached to their substrate, are made of flat to convex lobes typically up to 0.5 mm wide. The lichen occurs in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, and is one of the most widespread members of its genus in boreal and subtropical regions. In Nepal, P.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Dark Shadow 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

• Montanelia sorediata
• Montanelia disjuncta
• Phaeophyscia adiastola
• Montanelia panniformis
• Melanelia stygia
• Brodoa intestiniformis

Classification

Kingdom

Fungi

Phylum

Ascomycota

Class

Lecanoromycetes

Order

Caliciales

Family

Physciaceae

Genus

Phaeophyscia

Species

Phaeophyscia sciastra

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