Cartilage Lichen

This lichen is widespread in the United Kingdom, being found on tree bark. In north-eastern England and eastern Scotland it is often well developed, growing up to 12 cm with thongs of up to 2 cm wide. In less favourable areas it is much smaller. The species has declined markedly since the mid 20th century and is now rare or absent in many UK areas. Its sensitivity to air pollution and fertilizer enrichment may be reasons for the decline. It is mainly found on the bark of Acer, Fraxinus, Populus, Tilia and Ulmus; it has been found growing on Rhododendron and oak. It has been recorded in Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, England, Scotland, Hungary, Norway and Latvia. The species has been widely recorded in the United States of America. Ramalina fraxinea likes windy, exposed and well-lit sites and it is found on species with nutrient-rich bark. The species also likes humid or foggy areas near ponds or rivers.

The spores are kidney-shaped. It does not contain as many apothecia as Ramalina fastigiata. The specimens in the photographs here shown here are very large, but does not have many apothecia, the spore-producing discs. The few that were present were borne on short stalks, and were located on the surface of the lobes, especially near the edges. Ramalina fraxinea is a polycarpic species, so sexual reproduction does not cause the death of the thallus; once apothecia have developed, it can continue producing sexual propagules throughout its lifespan.

Ramalina species were at one time dried and ground down to produce a white hair powder and also used as a cure for chilblains. It was also used in making perfumes and in Sweden, northern Europe and northern Russia, R. fraxinea has been used to make brandy. This process was most commonly used with Cladina rangiferina, but several other lichen species have been used.