Elegant Fringe Lichen

Leucodermia leucomelos is a species of fruticose lichen in the family Physciaceae, and the type species of the genus Leucodermia. This species is widely distributed in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions, where it grows on both trees and rock faces. The species forms pale, narrow branches 4–8 cm (1+5⁄8–3+1⁄8 in) long that divide repeatedly as they grow. The cream-coloured to whitish branches have distinctive long, dark hairs (cilia) along their edges, and typically grow in loose clusters on trees or rocks. It usually reproduces through powdery patches (soralia) on its lower surface, though it sometimes produces small disc-shaped fruiting bodies (apothecia).

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Elegant Fringe 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

• Anaptychia ciliaris
• Anaptychia crinalis

Classification

Kingdom

Fungi

Phylum

Ascomycota

Class

Lecanoromycetes

Order

Caliciales

Family

Physciaceae

Genus

Heterodermia

Species

Heterodermia leucomelos

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