Plant Guide > Mosses and Lichens > Lichens > Genus Parmelia > Parmelia Perlata Lichen

Parmelia Perlata Lichen

Parmelia perlata, (L.) Ach.

Habit and habitat.-The lichen is found on both rocks and trees.

Vegetative organs (thallus).-Greenish-yellow, gray green, slate colour and even light brown above; black beneath with a reddish-brown border which rolls up so as to bring the brown lobes in rich contrast to the surface colours. The lobes have no fine hairs on their margins and are frequently covered with a white powder (soredia).

Fruiting organs (apothecia).-Large, greenish-brown, entire margins which split down to the centre when the disk is mature.

Name.-The specific name perlata is the Latin for "widely spread."