Stereocaulon vesuvianum ?

[chrisjohnson]

Another coastal lichen from South Uist.
I think it is Stereocaulon vesuvianum rather than S. evolutum based on the shape of the phyllocladia (I assume that these are the small button-like bodies on the stalks (pseudopodetia)), which were smooth with some indentation on the margin, white (no dark centres). I think the granular mass on the tip of the branches may be soralia. I could not find a basal thallus.
Sorry the photograph is not great.

As usual comments appreciated.

Chris

[AlanS]

I agree.

And don't apologise for the photograph. I don't know why it is, but this species just does not want to be photographed. Tripods, careful manual focusing, remembering to lock up the mirror, and my own photographs still come out without any definition.

I have one or two now that kinda work, and there will be a Stereocaulon update to my site sometime, but it has taken me many attempts!

Alan

[chrisjohnson]

Thank you for the confirmation and the photographic tips.
Along with learning about lichens we're also having to get to grips with the techniques of macro-photography.
I've also been told to come out from the chris johnson universal name, alledgedly it is causing some confusion. So from now I take responsibility for the id but not for the photos!

Christine