Anzia (aka “Black-Foam Lichens”)

Location Summary

Substrate: On bark.

Habitat: Usually in forests.

Identification Characteristics

Description: Medium-sized to small foliose lichens, gray to greenish; lower surface covered with a thick, spongy, black hypothallus. Photobiont green (Trebouxia?). Apothecia lecanorine, with concave, shiny brown disks; spores colorless, tiny (3-6 x 1.2-2 um), 1-celled, oblong or curved, many per ascus.

Chemistry: Cortex PD-, K+ yellow, KC-, C- (atranorin); medulla PD-, K-, KC-, C-, UV+ white (divaricatic acid).

Lookalikes: The black, spongy lower surface is unique among North American Lichens.

Bibliography: Lichens of North American, by Brodo, Sharnoff, & Sharnoff

Database Entry:  Distance Everheart 12-26-13