LICHALP

Synalissa violacea Geitler

Lichenised.

Substrate: calciferous rocks,

Altitudinal distribution: montane belt (potential vegetation: deciduous forests dominated by Fagus sylvatica and closed coniferous forests with Picea abies)

Note: a species with a dwarf-fruticose to coralloid, nearly black thallus becoming gelatinous when moist, the outer envelopes of the photobiont colonies (Gloeocapsa-like) violet; only known in the sterile state and generic placement therefore uncertain; on moist limestone rocks in gorges and similar sites with high air humidity; so far only recorded from the Eastern (Austria) and the Western Alps (France).