On Parmelia sulcata

[Chris Johnson]

A lichenicolous fungal anamorph, pycnidia 100–120 µm diameter. Conidia 17.3-23.3 x (6.1-)6.6-8.0 µm.

I looked through known associates that I am aware of but failed to identify it.

Any help welcome.

[Paul Cannon]

Hello Chris

I’ve not seen the beast myself, but I think you have Lichenopuccinia poeltii. It seems to be fairly common in western Scotland on Parmelia saxatilis and P. sulcata, but hasn’t yet been recorded from the Outer isles.

The structures you depict are sporodochia, not pycnidia – solid masses of cells with the conidia produced on the surface rather than in a cavity within. As such it has traditionally been classified as a hyphomycete rather than a coelomycete, which might have made you lose the scent.

Lovely images, as always – trust I can borrow them for FGBI…

Best wishes

Paul

[Chris Johnson]

Hello Paul

Many thanks for the identification and for correcting my terminology – and how kind to think I was ever on the scent …

Feel free to use the images – if you require better resolution, just say.

I have a small piece spare if you would like it.

Best wishes, Chris

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