description Icmadophila ericetorum Overview
Icmadophila ericetorum is a lichen commonly known as fairy puke, a name referring to its conspicuous pale pink to salmon-colored apothecia. It grows on acidic peat, humus, and decaying wood in damp heathland, moorland, and cool forest habitats. The species is a crustose lichen, although its fruiting bodies create raised, jelly-like spots that are more obvious than the thin thallus.
help Icmadophila ericetorum FAQ
Why is Icmadophila ericetorum called fairy puke?
The common name refers to its conspicuous pale pink to salmon-colored apothecia. Those small fruiting structures stand out against the species’ crust-like thallus.
Where does Icmadophila ericetorum grow?
It grows on acidic peat, humus, and decaying wood in damp habitats. Heathland, moorland, and cool forests are typical environments for this lichen.
Is Icmadophila ericetorum a foliose lichen?
No. Icmadophila ericetorum is generally described as a crustose lichen, with the thallus closely attached to its substrate.
What should I look for when identifying fairy puke lichen?
Look for a crustose lichen associated with acidic, wet organic material and pale pink or salmon apothecia. The combination of colorful fruiting bodies and damp peat, humus, or rotting wood is more useful than color alone.
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