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Opegrapha atra

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description Opegrapha atra Overview

Opegrapha atra is a crustose lichen commonly called the common script lichen. It usually grows on the bark of trees in shaded woodland habitats, where its black, narrow, slit-like fruiting bodies, known as lirellae, form the script-like markings associated with the genus. The species was described by Christiaan Hendrik Persoon in 1794.

help Opegrapha atra FAQ

What is the common name of Opegrapha atra?

Opegrapha atra is commonly called the black script lichen or common scribble lichen. The name refers to its narrow black lirellae, which look like small written marks across the bark.

What are the black lines on Opegrapha atra?

They are lirellae, which are elongated fruiting bodies that produce fungal spores. Their slit-like, script-shaped form is a key feature of the genus Opegrapha.

Where does Opegrapha atra grow?

It usually grows on tree bark in shaded or lightly shaded woodland. The British Lichen Society notes that it is found throughout Britain and Ireland and is more common in the south.

Why might a field guide call Opegrapha atra Arthonia atra?

Some modern treatments place the species under the name Arthonia atra, so older references may retain Opegrapha atra. The name change reflects taxonomic revision, not a different script-like mark on the tree.

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