LICHALP

Spilonema paradoxum Bornet

Syn.: Spilonema pannosum Hy, Spilonema tenellum Vain.

Lichenised.

Substrate: siliceous rocks

Altitudinal range: from the mesomediterranean belt (potential vegetation: evergreen broad-leaved forests dominated by Quercus ilex) to the subalpine belt (potential vegetation: open, taiga-like forests dominated by Larix decidua and/or Pinus cembra and Rhododendron)

Note: a widespread lichen found on sun-exposed, inclined to vertical seepage tracks of basic siliceous rocks; perhaps overlooked but certainly not common in the Alps.