A conspicuous crustose lichen, typical for smooth bark (especially beech, hornbeam and sycamore). It grows in various types of deciduous and mixed forests, from lowlands to mountains. It prefers habitats with humid microclimate in older forest stands. In the Czech Republic, however, it often grows on young trees, especially at their bases. It is a widespread species, but only locally abundant, both in the country and Europe.
In reality, it is a complex of species, but their distinction is very difficult. Some taxa are determined based on morphological characters (e.g. G. pulverulenta, G. betulina, G. macrocarpa), but their delimitation does not correspond to phylogenetic lineages. Here, we prefer a broad species concept and use a single name for all potential species.
Literature: Kraichak E. et al. (2015): Hidden diversity in the morphologically variable script lichen (Graphis scripta) complex (Ascomycota, Ostropales, Graphidaceae). – Organisms Diversity and Evolution 15: 447–458. Neuwirth G. & Aptroot A. (2011): Recognition of four morphologically distinct species in the Graphis scripta complex in Europe. – Herzogia 24: 207–230. Liška J. & Pišút I. (1995): Lišajníky. − In: Kotlaba F. [ed.], Červená kniha ohrozených a vzácnych druhov rastlín a živočíchov SR a ČR 4., Príroda, Bratislava, p. 120−156.
taxonomic classification:Ascomycota → Lecanoromycetes → Ostropales → Graphidaceae → Graphis
Red List (Liška & Palice 2010):NT – near threatened
Occurrence in the Czech Republic
All records: 864, confirmed 480. One click on a selected square displays particular record(s), including their source(s).