Parmelia sulcata #

Taxon #

Parmelia sulcata

Organization #

Shield-Like Parmelioids

Identification #

Shield-like or rosette-shaped thalli. Grayish, light blue-green. With “hammer marks” on the upper surface. Apothecia are rare but when present are usually sorediate. Produces soredia to varying degrees; some specimens which are young may not have had time to develop obvious soralia/soredia where others may be covered in a dense layer of powder. Never isidiate such as with P. pseudosulcata which also usually has smaller lobes and is much less common in general. Some specimens with elongated lobes can appear similar to P. squarrosa but that species is also isidate.

Substrate #

Most commonly corticolous, also commonly lignicolous, not uncommon on rocks or human-made substrates to include metal and painted surfaces. Very rarely bryocolous/muscicolous.

Chemical Tests #

Upper Cortex: K+ yellow, C-, KC-, Pd+ yellow, medulla: K+ yellow becoming red, C-, KC-, Pd+ orange (CLH).

Notes #

No doubt one of Alaska’s most ubiquitous lichens. One of the few lichens which is so common throughout North America it is sometimes called weedy.

Photos #