Icmadophila ericetorum (L.) Zahlbr.
Fairy barf, candy lichen, peppermint drop lichen
This moisture-loving lichen is native to Europe and North America, especially in cooler climates, but it is found in arctic habitats and even, occasionally, in rainforests. In addition to the common names listed, “fairy puke” is among several that are less charming.
Identification: The lichen is crustose, looking a bit like spilled paint, thinly coating its substrate with a greenish-grayish (often described as mint green), granular surface.
Fruits: Fruiting bodies, or apothecia, as they are called in lichens, are pinkish, pale orange, or brownish, and 1/32–⅛″ (1.5–4 mm) in diameter. They are rounded, and wrinkled, a bit like brains. They are often in clusters. They look a bit like tiny mushroom caps. They are usually stalkless, but may have short stalks.
Habitats: It grows on peat, rotting logs, humus, turf, clay, dead mosses, in shaded areas.
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Similar species. |
Online References:
References:
10/5/2014 · Mt. Killington, Killington, Vermont · ≈ 12 × 8″ (30 × 20 cm) 
10/5/2014 · Mt. Killington, Killington, Vermont · ≈ 10 × 8″ (25 × 20 cm) 
| Parents | Unknown | Genus is not in the current taxonomy |
| Genus | Icmadophila | From icmado, “moisture,” and philia, “loving” |
| Species | ericetorum |
Icmadophila ericetorum description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.
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