Brown Beret Lichen

Baeomyces rufus is characterized by bulbous apothecia which may vary from reddish brown to orange to pink, and which become translucent when wet; they may reach a maximum diameter of 2 mm, on top of stalks no taller than 6 mm. The thallus may be green, grey or greenish-grey, and may have a brownish tinge. Unlike other Baeomyces species, Baeomyces rufus? margins are unlobed.

On soil and peat banks, damp tracks, sheltered boulders and in crevices in dry-stone walls.

All year round

Widespread in Britain but most frequent in the north and west.

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.