23155_Peltigera:ascophyllum leaflet - Plantlife

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BACK FROM THE BRINK MANAGEMENT SERIES●●Peltigeras are often relatively rapidcolonisers.Nineteen species of Dog-lichen occur inBritain, all of which are found in Scotland.More about the Ear-lobed Doglichen(Peltigera lepidophora)Peltigera lepidophora is bluish grey when wet,brownish grey when dry and can grow up tosix centimetres in diameter with lobes to onecentimetre wide. The lobes are concave orear-shaped with inrolled margins, which arefrequently torn or eroded. Small scale-likeoutgrowths, called isidia, are approximately0.5 millimetres in diameter and occur on theupper surface of the lobes. The undersurfaceis whitish with distinct, pale, grey-fawnveins and small un-branched rhizines. This isan ephemeral species and its abundance andapparent health may be seasonal. It isthought that the species is best developedduring the autumn, winter and spring monthsand is less apparent in summer.Conservation protection status ofPeltigera lepidophora● Legal status: Schedule 8 of the Wildlife andCountryside Act 1981. Peltigera lepidophora habitat showing its position among grasses near the top of the outcrop© John Douglass2
●●Red Data Book Category: CriticallyEndangered, Nationally rare.UK BAP (Biodiversity Action Plan) priorityspecies.Habitat and distribution of Peltigeralepidophora in BritainThe only known British site where this lichenis found is a calcareous sandstoneconglomerate outcrop along a steep, woodedgorge in Perthshire. Winter and spring waterlevels are very high and the site is liable toinundation from the river, whilst in summermonths the outcrop is subjected to long dryspells. The outcrop contains deposited silt,providing some nutrient enrichment. Coloniesof bryophytes and annuals occur here withoccasional crustose and Dog-lichens.It is relatively well-lit, due to its position onthe north side of the river, but is sheltered bysteep wooded slopes on either side. Thelowest occurring colonies of this lichen occurin a zone where the more submerged-tolerantspecies of bryophytes occur.World distribution and habitat ofPeltigera lepidophoraPeltigera lepidophora is frequent in Scandinavia,local in central and eastern Europe, and rare inwestern Europe. It has also been recorded inHawaii, North America, South America andNew Zealand. Its European habitat is on theground on slightly calcareous substrata,sometimes over bryophytes, and often withsome nutrient enrichment. It occurs acrosssome of the northern and central states ofNorth America on exposed soil, road cuts andtrail banks usually in open, dry habitats. In NewZealand it has been found at 1800 metres oncalcareous soil. Peltigera lepidophora showing the plate-likeisidia on top of the lobes © John Douglass3
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23155_Peltigera:ascophyllum leaflet - Plantlife

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