A thin, smooth, pale crust with prominent, long, very narrow, curved, often forked apothecia with a grey hymenium and raised, black, unfurrowed margins. Recently it has been found that this is a complex of four species occur (Graphis betulina, Graphis persoonii, Graphis pulverulenta and Graphis scripta s. str.), hence this page represents this aggregate.

Similar species include species of Graphina and Phaeographis that require microscopic examination for certain identification.

On smooth bark.

All year round.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Graphis scripta is now considered to be a complex of 4 species.  It should be recorded as 'sensu lato' unless examined carefully and keyed out - see British Lichen Society webpage