Lichen or liverwort?

BROCSMAN · #1 (**permalink**) 09-10-2009, 05:46 PM

Can someone tell me what this is? Peltigra canina? Found today growing happily with heather and birch in a disused quarry.

Thanks.

gleditsa · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BROCSMAN

Can someone tell me what this is? Peltigra canina? Found today growing happily with heather and birch in a disused quarry.

Thanks.

Hi Brocsman, have a look at the post by kiltoncomp on Peltigfera polydactyla as yours look very similar to the one posted there,

j.

BROCSMAN · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 03:43 PM

Thanks for the pointer.

AlanS · #4 (**permalink**) 11-10-2009, 10:12 AM

There is enough of the underside visible in the photograph for a firm identification of Peltigera hymenina (synonym P. lactucifolia). This is generally the most common Peltigera in Britain, certainly the most common with a smooth upper surface.

It was formerly confused with P. polydactylon (correct spelling), but P. polydactylon is a MUCH rarer species with dark veins beneath.

True P. canina is one of the species that have a grey-pubescent upper surface and it is an uncommon species of sandy soils, most usually on dunes.

Older books commonly have Peltigera species confused.

Alan