Lecidea lithophila
A lichen of iron rich rocks
Lecidea lithophila is a crustose lichen common on iron rich rocks. Seen here at Cobscar Mill, a former lead smelting mill, where it able to survive on cast iron pillars exposed to full sun. Click here for mining page.
Photograph detail
Slide 1: Old furnace cast iron pillars at Cobscar Mill, a former lead smelting mill, colonised by Lecidea lithophila, a crustose lichen usually found on iron rich rocks. November.
Slide 2: Cast iron pillar, south facing, with Lecidea lithophila, at Cobscar Mill, Redmire Moor, November.
Slide 3: Cast iron with Lecidea lithophila, at Cobscar Mill, Redmire Moor, November.
Slide 4: Thallus of Lecidea lithophila, showing apothecia (fruiting bodies), scaped from iron pillar at Cobscar Mill, Redmire Moor, November.
Slide 5: Section through apothecium of Lecidea lithophila, showing asci with spores, scaped from iron pillar at Cobscar Mill, Redmire Moor, November.
Slide 6: Section through apothecium of Lecidea lithophila, top view showing asci with spores. Photographed at x1000, oil immersion. November.