Rhizoplaca melanophthalma #

Taxon #

Rhizoplaca melanopthalma

Organization #

Lobed-Crustose Lichens

Identification #

The apothecia of this species are helpful in determining it in the field. It is closer to concolorous with the rest of the thallus than with the other “rock posies” known of Alaska. The other species have apothecia which contrast their thalli at least a little by being more orange or brown. When hydrated the appthecia of R. melanopthalma can darken up although the rim will remain light-colored. Attractively lobed. Somewhat umbilicate as with other species of Rhizoplaca.

Substrate #

Saxicolous

Chemical Tests #

cortex: KC+ yellow; medulla: K-, C- or C+ red, KC- or KC+ red, Pd- or Pd+ yellow (Brodo et al. 2001)

Photos #