2007
NS3679 : A lichen - Rhizocarpon petraeum
taken 17 years ago, near to Renton, West Dunbartonshire, Scotland

A lichen - Rhizocarpon petraeum
In older books, this may be listed under the synonym Rhizocarpon concentricum, a name that well describes its appearance. The concentric pattern is formed by many black dots arranged in rings; these individual dots are the spore-producing discs (apothecia).
This lichen was growing on rocks in the northern half of a disused quarry: NS3678 : Carman Quarry. Compare another member of this genus which presents a very different appearance: NS3779 : The "Map Lichen" - Rhizocarpon geographicum.
This lichen was growing on rocks in the northern half of a disused quarry: NS3678 : Carman Quarry. Compare another member of this genus which presents a very different appearance: NS3779 : The "Map Lichen" - Rhizocarpon geographicum.