ASCOMYCOTA | DOTHIDEOMYCETES > MONOBLASTIALES > Monoblastiaceae

Genus Anisomeridium, meaning 'not in the middle' referring to the often non-central spore septum

Common name:            -

Synonyms:                     Arthopyrenia cinereopruinosa, Arthopyrenia ranunculosporum

Habitat:                          Woodland

Substrata:                     Bark

Growth form:                Corticolous

Thallus:                 Crustose

Apothecia:                    Perithecial

BLS identity rating:        Graded 3/5 (microscopic examination required)

Thallus very thin, barely visible, immersed in the bark forming smooth whitish to very pale grey patches, often slightly pinkish with a somewhat pearly appearance, and a brownish-coloured margin; perithecia very small and superficial, black, to 0.3mm dia., possibly covered at first by fragments of the thallus and leaving a tiny 'wheel' when they  fall out; pycnidia sometimes abundant.

Arthopyrenia cinereopruinosa is a localised species, primarily found in the west, occurring in old shaded woodland on smooth bark or flat areas of rough-barked trees, especially oak.

Although this species cannot be positively identified without microscopic examination of the ascospores, the specimen photographed below has an extremely likely visual appearance and was found in mature ancient woodland.