Cryptothecia striata

Spore Ascus

Thin Section

Thallus

Lichen Index

Cryptothecia striata thallus.

An easily identified lichen with its white cottony prothallus and mint green thallus. A drop of ordinary household bleach on the surface produces a bright red color. This genus is unusual in that it bypasses the chore of producing fruiting bodies (apothecia or perethecia). Instead asci are apparently produced within the thallus and arise when mature.