description Normandina pulchella Overview
Normandina pulchella is a small squamulose lichen made up of pale green, scale-like units that grow over or among mosses. It is typically associated with humid bark and other moist woodland substrates, particularly where bryophytes provide a suitable surface for establishment. The species is of interest to field naturalists because its minute scales can be overlooked when examining mossy tree trunks.
help Normandina pulchella FAQ
What does Normandina pulchella look like among mosses?
Normandina pulchella is a small squamulose lichen made up of pale green, scale-like units that grow over or among bryophytes. Its tiny squamules have slightly raised edges and sit on the surface of damp bark or moss, often appearing as a delicate pale green crust among darker moss growth.
Why does Normandina pulchella grow on mossy bark rather than bare wood?
N. pulchella is associated with humid bark and moist woodland substrates where mosses create the consistent moisture and microhabitat the lichen needs to establish. The bryophyte mats retain water and provide a suitable surface for the lichen's squamules to anchor and spread.
What is a squamulose lichen and how does it differ from foliose or crustose types?
Squamulose lichens like N. pulchella form small, scale-like structures that are intermediate between crustose (tightly bound crusts) and foliose (larger leaf-like lobes). The individual squamules have slightly raised margins but remain much smaller than the broad lobes of typical foliose species.
Is Normandina pulchella common or rare in woodland habitats?
N. pulchella is considered locally frequent in humid woodland habitats where suitable mossy substrates are present. Its small size and preference for growing among bryophytes can make it easy to overlook during surveys, even in areas where populations are well established.
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