Lepraria cupressicola

Lepraria cupressicola forms a leprose thallus that varies from powdery to membranous in texture. The margin is delimited, with lobes either absent or present. When present, the lobes measure 0.5–2 mm wide and may have a raised marginal rim, though they can sometimes be irregular and less than 0.5 mm wide without a rim. The medulla is present but thin, appearing white. A distinctive feature is the hypothallus, which is usually thick, sometimes thin, lax, and dark brown in colour, forming a tomentum (felt-like mat) under the lobes. The soredia are abundant to sparse, ranging from fine to medium in size, measuring 60–200 μm in diameter. Projecting hyphae are rarely present and short when they occur. The species contains lecanoric acid, atranorin, zeorin and unidentified fatty acids. Chemical spot tests show K+ (yellowish), C+ (pink to red), KC+ (reddish), and Pd+ (yellow).

This species grows on siliceous rock or soil and bark, typically occurring in shaded, sheltered, damp locations. It has been recorded from Japan, China (Hong Kong), Taiwan, and Sri Lanka.

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