Athallia pyracea is a species of crustose lichen in the family Teloschistaceae. It forms a very thin, often inconspicuous greyish crust on bark, with scattered to crowded orange fruiting bodies typically 0.3–1.0 mm across. The species grows mainly on the nutrient-enriched bark of deciduous trees such as aspen, poplar, and ash and is considered a nitrophilous (nitrogen-loving) lichen. It is widespread in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, occurring across Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. The yellow and orange parts of the thallus and apothecia turn purple when treated with potassium hydroxide (the K spot test).
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Flaming Firedot 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
Classification
- Kingdom
- Fungi
- Phylum
- Ascomycota
- Class
- Lecanoromycetes
- Order
- Teloschistales
- Family
- Teloschistaceae
- Genus
- Athallia
- Species
- Athallia pyracea
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