Flavoparmelia caperata Common Greenshield Lichen

A common foliose lichen with broad lobes that tend to be somewhat wrinkled and which grows appressed to its substrate. It has a distinct yellowish colour, particularly when conditions are moist. Soralia, which start as small bumps on the surface of the thallus and then become powdery, are almost always present. It grows on deciduous trees that have mildly acidic bark, often forming large colonies on their trunks. It is quite sensitive to sulphur dioxide pollution and was uncommon in many parts of the country until air quality improved in recent decades after which it recolonised many areas. It is widespread and common in West Glamorgan on the trunks and branches of trees, posts and benches.

Listed under Parmelia caperata by Alan Orange in Flora of Glamorgan (Wade et al, 1994).