Heterodermia leucomela

Heterodermia leucomela

Heterodermia leucomela

Common Name(s)

Cilate Strap-lichen / Y cen Rhuban Blewog

Description & Identification

Heterodermia leucomela is a rather inconspicuous fruticose lichen which forms loose tufts up to 10cm across.  The grey-white thallus is highly dichotomously branched, the branches being between 3-5mm in width. The margins of the branches are lined with many black  cilia or "whiskers" up to 5mm long. The lower surface ihas a broad, white, slightly sunken channel along the centre, which appears slightly rough under a lens due to the lack of a cortex here. This is in contrast to the smooth raised margins on each side. Apothecia have not been observed in British material.

Photo: Alan Hale

Similar Species

H. leucomela can superficially appear similar to several of the shrubby Cladonia species, and to some species of Physcia that are similar in colour and have dark cilia. However, on closer inspection these are all quite distinct. It is hard to confuse this species with any other British taxon.

Records from Wales
Location Grid Reference Year Last Rec Recorder SSSI
Anglesey: Rhoscolyn Head SH 2574 7552 2002 B. Edwards Yes
Anglesey: Penrhosfeilw Common, Penrhyn Mawr SH 2118 7959 2002 B. Edwards Yes
Caernarfon: St Mary's Well, Lleyn SH 1387 2521 2003 A.D. Hale & T. Dines Yes
Caernarfon: Trwyn y Gwyddel SH 1399 2506 2003 A.D. Hale & T. Dines Yes
Caernarfon: Slopes of Mynydd y Gwyddel SH 1413 2490 2003 A.D. Hale & T. Dines Yes
Caernarfon: Ynys Enlli, above Pen Cristin SH 1218 2122 1992 A. Fletcher Yes
Caernarfon: Ynys Enlli, southern tip, western side SH 110 204 2001 A. Fletcher Yes
Caernarfon: Ynys Enlli, southern tip, eastern side SH 114 207 2001 A. Fletcher Yes
Caernarfon: Ynys Enlli, southern tip, western side SH 12 21 2001 A. Fletcher Yes
Pembroke: St. David's Head SM 724 280 2005 A.D. Hale & R.G. Woods Yes
Pembroke: Saddle Point, Broadhaven SR 981 940 2005 R.G. Woods Yes
 

 

NBN Taxon Key
NHMSYS0001484074