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

Parmelia Saxatilis Lichen

Parmelia saxatilis, (L.) Fr.

Habit and habitat.-On rocks.

Vegetative organs (thallus).-Greenish or ashen-gray above (sometimes reddish) somewhat ornamented with a fine network and with shallow depressions; black beneath with dense hairs (rhizoids) reaching the margin, much cleft with narrow lobes, with margins wavy and bordered with a fine white beading ( soredia) .

Fruiting organs (apothecia). -Chestnut border (thalline exciple), rather thick, somewhat evenly notched.

Spores.-Simple, ellipsoid, colourless.

Name.-The specific name saxatilis, the Latin for "rock," refers to the habitat.