Melanohalea exasperatula, commonly known as the lustrous camouflage lichen or lustrous brown-shield, is a species of corticolous (bark-dwelling) foliose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae. It has a widespread global distribution and is common in both Europe and northern North America. Its thallus can grow up to 5 cm (2 in) in diameter, with marginal lobes up to 5 mm (3⁄16 in) broad. The upper surface is pale olive-green to red-brown, with isidia (propagules of vegetative reproduction) that are unbranched, inflated, and hollow. It can be distinguished from similar species by the shape and structure of these isidia.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Lustrous Camouflage 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
- Melanohalea elegantula
- Melanelixia subaurifera
- Melanelixia glabratula
- Melanohalea olivacea
- Melanelixia subargentifera
- Melanohalea exasperata
Classification
- Kingdom
- Fungi
- Phylum
- Ascomycota
- Class
- Lecanoromycetes
- Order
- Lecanorales
- Family
- Parmeliaceae
- Genus
- Melanohalea
- Species
- Melanohalea exasperatula
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