Rock Tripe

Rock Tripe - Lasallia pustulata

Description

A distinctive species with conspicuous convex pustules across its surface that become pruinose toward the centre. The rounded, foliose thalli are up to 8cm in diameter, centrally attached, pale grey/brown when dry, becoming brownish to yellowish green when wet. The margins are often ragged and darkened by black isidia. This lichen has been used for dyeing and also as a survival food.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Nutrient-enriched rocks in Western/upland regions.

When to see it

All year.

UK Status

Common in the right habitat.

VC55 Status

VC55 does not fall within the normal range for this species but an outlier population exists in the Charnwood Forest area.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records