ASCOMYCOTA | LECANOROMYCETES > OSTROPALES > Graphidaceae

Genus Graphis, meaning 'writing' from the appearance of the apothecia

Common name:            Common Script Lichen

Synonym:                    Graphis scripta s.lat

Habitat:                         Woodland, wayside trees

Substrata:                     Smooth bark

Growth form:                Corticolous

Thallus:                  Crustose

Apothecia:                    Lirellate

BLS identity rating:        Not listed

In the broad sense as Graphis scripta s.lat., but with the following distinguishing features:

Thallus white, grey or brownish - although I'm going to add whitish-green to grey-green here from the original description; uneven, cracked or smooth.

Lirellae elongate, curved or sometimes branched with the branches sometimes markedly parallel; closed with rounded ends, not forked; discs hidden or only visible as a slit.

Graphis scripta s.str is one of the two common species within the Graphis scripta s.lat group, primarily characterised by the closed lirellae with the discs hidden or hardly visible.

The description also confirms that the lirellae are up to 10mm long, but then goes on to say that the species typically has long serpentine lirellae. To me this seems like a contradiction of sorts, especially as the previously detailed description for the group as a whole, states that the lirellae can be up to 25mm long. Similarly with the colour, as the original description subject to source, either mentions green-green or a green tinge. This is also supported by the photos on the BLS website that show a distinctly green example.

As well as being widespread on older trees, this form is a common pioneer species on younger trees.

The examples featured below are not certain, but they do look very likely, hence separated here from Graphis scripta s.lat for personal reference purposes.