Peltigera malacea #

Taxon #

Peltigera malacea

Organization #

Pelt Lichens, Peltigerales

Identification #

Known as the “Veinless Pelt Lichen” due to the lack of conspicuous veins and rhizines on the lower surface of the thalli. The upper surface is typically a bluish green when in shaded habitats or when it is not especially desiccated. It produces reddish brown apothecia at times in such abundance that it may be mistaken for P. polydactylon but still separable form that species by the absence of veins and the color pf the upper surface, which is not so slatey.

Substrate #

bryocolous, terricolous

Chemical Tests #

All RXNs negative (CLH)

Notes #

It is a nearly ubiquitous species in Alaska but lacking in records south of Juneau, possibly absent from many of the islands in the SE region at lower latitudes than the capital.

Photos #