Bryophytes & Lichens Outing

Written by Rhian Guillem on 02 December 2019.

The Bryophytes and lichens outing took place on Saturday 16th November, with a cold 9˚C start to the morning.  This however did not stop the eager few who attended.

The beginning of the outing started with an introductory talk on the Bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) and lichens found in Gibraltar.  A few species of mosses and liverworts were found, these included the Yellow crisp moss (Tortilla flavovirens), Bark Signal moss (Sematophyllum substumulosum), Silky Wall Feather moss (Homalothecium sericeum), Crescent Cup liverwort (Lunularia cruciata) and the Spanish Frillwort (Fossombronia caespitiformis). The use of hand lenses was crucial in order to observe these species.

Observing lichens seems to have been quite popular with the group as a number of species were spotted throughout the outing. Gibraltar’s most common lichen, the Maritime sunburst lichen (Xanthoria parietina) was prominent along limestone rocks at Princess Caroline’s battery. A spot test was performed to show the effects of potassium hydroxide on the unique chemical properties of this lichen. A crimson colour change was observed to the joy of those around.  Other notable species found during the morning included Green shield lichen (Flavoparmelia caperata), Elegant script lichen (Graphis elegans), Black jelly lichen (Collema cristatum) and the Farinose cartilage lichen (Ramalina farinacea).

Mike showing mosses to the group

Yellow crisp moss Tortilla flavovirens

Observing mosses with a hand lens

Ochrolechia parella

Rock Fire Dot lichen Caloplaca saxicola

Albert demonstrating a spot-test on Xanthoria

Sunburst lichen Xanthoria parietina

Scatter Rag lichen Parmotrema hypotropum

Strap lichen Ramalina fastigiata

Species list

Mosses

Yellow crisp moss (Tortilla flavovirens)

Bark Signal Moss (Sematophyllum substumulosum)

Silky Wall Feather Moss (Homalothecium sericeum)

Bi-coloured Bryum (Bryum dichotomum)

Liverworts

Crescent Cup Liverwort (Lunularia cruciata)

Spanish Frillwort (Fossombronia caespitiformis)

Dilated Scalewort (Frunallia dilata)

Mannia androgyna

Lichens

Sunburst lichen (Xanthoria parietina)

Green shield Lichen (Flavoparmelia caperata)

Elegant script lichen (Graphis elegans)

Black jelly lichen (Collema cristatum)

Farinose cartilage lichen (Ramalina farinacea)

Rock Fire Dot or Rock Jewel Lichen (Caloplaca saxicola)

Strap lichen (Ramalina fastigiata)  

Ruffle or Scatter Rag Lichen (Parmotrema hypotropum)