Polyblastidium hypoleucum

Polyblastidium hypoleuca is a foliose (leaf-like) lichen with a grey to blue-grey upper surface. The thallus lacks vegetative propagules such as soredia and isidia, and is instead composed of long, flat lobes that spread outward and often develop short secondary lobes in the central parts of the thallus. The internal medulla is white. The underside is pale and lacks a distinct cortex, while the rhizines are dark, squarrose (branching like a bottlebrush), and concentrated along the lobe margins. Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are common, borne on the upper surface (laminal), and frequently have margins that break up into small squamules.^[6]

Chemically, the species contains atranorin, zeorin, a terpenoid compound and probably leucotylin. In standard spot tests the cortex reacts K+ (yellow) and P+ (yellowish), but is C–, KC– and UV–; the medulla is K–, C–, KC–, P– and UV–.^[6]

In North America, it is commonly known as the "cupped fringe lichen".^[7][8]

Polyblastidium hypoleuca is a widely distributed lichen, having been recorded from all continents except for Antarctica. It is most often found in humid habitats growing on deciduous trees.^[8]