Melanohalea olivacea, the spotted camouflage lichen or spotted brown shield, is a species of brown foliose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae. It forms rounded, olive-brown to dark brown patches (rosettes) that are typically 5–8 centimetres across on tree bark, particularly on birches in boreal forests and mountain woodlands. The lichen is distinguished by small pale spots called pseudocyphellae scattered across its upper surface and a black lower surface with dark rhizines (root-like attachment threads).
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Spotted 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 septentrionalis
- Melanelixia subaurifera
- Melanelixia glabra
- Melanohalea exasperata
- Melanelixia glabratula
- Melanohalea exasperatula
Classification
- Kingdom
- Fungi
- Phylum
- Ascomycota
- Class
- Lecanoromycetes
- Order
- Lecanorales
- Family
- Parmeliaceae
- Genus
- Melanohalea
- Species
- Melanohalea olivacea
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