Spotted Camouflage Lichen

Melanohalea olivacea, the spotted camouflage lichen or spotted brown shield, is a species of brown foliose lichen in the family Parmeliaceae. It forms rounded, olive-brown to dark brown patches (rosettes) that are typically 5–8 centimetres across on tree bark, particularly on birches in boreal forests and mountain woodlands. The lichen is distinguished by small pale spots called pseudocyphellae scattered across its upper surface and a black lower surface with dark rhizines (root-like attachment threads). Originally described...