Physciella chloantha is a species of foliose lichen in the family Physciaceae. The lichen, which occurs in diverse regions including the Upper Midwest of the US, Europe, Japan, Pakistan, and European Russia, is common in certain areas. Its thallus forms circular patches up to 3 cm in diameter, made up of many small, discrete lobes that can grow together to cover large areas, often intermingling with other lichen species. These lobes, which vary from short and rounded to slightly elongated, have numerous soralia (reproductive structures) on their edges and surfaces, while the undersides are white to pale tan with sparse rhizines. Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are uncommon in this species.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Powdery-margined Cryptic Shade 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
- Physciella melanchra
- Phaeophyscia pusilloides
- Hyperphyscia adglutinata
- Phaeophyscia hirsuta
- Physcia millegrana
- Phaeophyscia adiastola
Classification
- Kingdom
- Fungi
- Phylum
- Ascomycota
- Class
- Lecanoromycetes
- Order
- Caliciales
- Family
- Physciaceae
- Genus
- Physciella
- Species
- Physciella chloantha
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