Pseudevernia furfuracea

Tree moss ( Pseudevernia furfuracea )

The Tree Moss ( Pseudevernia furfuracea ), also known as pityriasis or fruticose, is its misleading name counter no moss, but a lichen that grows on shrub-like trees. It is the only species of this genus in Europe. The specific epithet comes from the Latin word = small form furfuraceus.

Description

The shape of the tree moss can be bushy, bearded or almost flaky. The tapes of this lichen are gray or blue-gray. You are on the upper side covered with coralline Stiftchen ( isidia ). The underside is white or pink young, at the age bluish or black. Apothecia are rarely trained. The spores are one-celled, ellipsoidal. Your photobionts are green algae of the species Trebouxia simplex.

Location and distribution

This species is widespread in cool, temperate and subtropical climates around the world. In Europe, it comes from the mountains of southern Europe prior to central Scandinavia. It grows on the bark of conifers and deciduous trees with acid bark (especially birch), rarely also on silicate rock. In spruce forests of Central Europe dominates often together with the Blasenflechte ( Hypogymnia physodes ).

System

The tree moss forms two different chemical races from:

• Pseudevernia furfuracea var ceratea contains the Olivetorsäure. The Mark of the lichen turns red with sodium hypochlorite.
• Pseudevernia furfuracea var furfuracea contains the Physodsäure. With sodium hypochlorite, no reaction occurs.

Special

The tree moss is like the oak moss ( Evernia prunastri ) in the perfume industry as " mousse des arbres " used. It is considered highly allergenic.