Flora of New Zealand Series

≡Cyphelium arenarium Hampe ex A.Massal., Misc. Lich.: 20 (1856).

Descriptions : Flora (1985: 293); Tibell (1987: 173).

Chemistry : The aeruginose pigment of the apothecia and spores turns brown in K, becoming intense green on acid addition. The structure of the pigment is unknown (Tibell 1987).

S: Nelson (Ruby Lake), Canterbury (Hanmer, Arthur's Pass). On lignum of Griselinia littoralis and Nothofagus solandri var. solandri, 450–900 m. A rare species in Australasia, but widespread (although rare) in the Northern Hemisphere where it is known from Great Britain, Europe, Scandinavia, Asia and North America (Tibell 1978, 1999c; Goward 1999; Triebel & Scholz 2001; Nimis & Martellos 2003; Hermansson & Pystina 2004; Tibell & Ryan 2004i). It also occurs in SE Australia and in southern South America (Tibell 1987, 1998a).

Cosmopolitan

Exsiccati : Tibell (1982: No. 68).

Illustrations : Tibell (1987: 174, fig. 129; 1999c: 89); Wirth (1995a: 590); Goward (1999: 190, fig. 2A).

Microcalicium arenarium is characterised by: the lignicolous habit; the aeruginose mazedium; the well-developed, long stalks; and 1-septate ascospores.