LICHALP

Acarospora freyi H. Magn.

Syn.: Acarospora impressula Th. Fr. var. freyi (H. Magn.) Clauzade & Cl. Roux

Lichenised.

Substrate: siliceous rocks, metal-rich siliceous rocks, intermediate rocks (such as calciferous schists)

Altitudinal range: from the alpine belt (potential vegetation: treeless Alpine grasslands and tundras, to the lower limit of perennial snow and the equilibrium line of glaciers) to the nival belt (above the lower limit of perennial snow and glaciers)

Note: probably overlooked and more widespread in the Alps, with optimum near and above treeline, this lichen starts the life-cycle on Aspicilia candida and A. polychroma on calciferous rocks which are at least partly decalcified on the surface.