Synonyms: Coccocarpia cronia, Coccocarpia molybdaea, Coccocarpia pellita, Lecidea palmicola, Pannaria parmelioides, Parmelia cronia.
Common names: salted shell lichen, Coccocarpia Lichen.
Coccocarpia palmicola is a foliose lichen that grows on tree bark, particularly on palms and other smooth-barked trees. In East and Central Texas, it is found in warm, humid environments, often near water sources. The thallus is grayish-green to yellowish-green, with rounded lobes and a wavy margin. Apothecia are common, disk-shaped, and reddish-brown. This lichen is relatively rare in the region, but can be locally abundant on suitable hosts, such as sabal palms and cedar elms, particularly in areas with high humidity and moderate to full shade.
Salted shell lichen (Coccocarpia palmicola) on sandstone in shade in an oak forest at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 25, 2019
Lake Somerville Trailway, Somerville, TX 77879, USA
Salted shell lichen (Coccocarpia palmicola) on a large rock in a forest in area of sandstone outcrops at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 26, 2020Lake Somerville Trailway, Somerville, TX 77879, USA
Salted shell lichen (Coccocarpia palmicola) on a large rock in a forest at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, April 5, 2020Lake Somerville Trailway, Somerville, TX 77879, USA
Salted shell lichen (Coccocarpia palmicola) on sandstone in a ravine at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, February 24, 2021Lake Somerville Trailway, Somerville, TX 77879, USA
Salted shell lichen (Coccocarpia palmicola) on a fallen oak in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 4, 2021Yaupon Loop, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Blue-gray folious lichen Coccocarpia palmicola on a fallen oak in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 4, 2021Yaupon Loop, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Margin of salted shell lichen (Coccocarpia palmicola) on a fallen oak in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 4, 2021Yaupon Loop, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Blue-green patches of salted shell lichen (Coccocarpia palmicola) on a fallen oak in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 4, 2021Yaupon Loop, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Blue-green patches of salted shell lichen (Coccocarpia palmicola) on bark of a fallen oak in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 4, 2021Yaupon Loop, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Isidia of blue-green patches of salted shell lichen (Coccocarpia palmicola) on a fallen oak in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 4, 2021Yaupon Loop, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Salted shell lichen (Coccocarpia palmicola) on a stone in an oak forest at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, December 20, 2021Lakeview Lane, Burleson County, Texas, 77879, United States
Close-up of salted shell lichen (Coccocarpia palmicola) on a sandstone rock in an oak forest at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, December 20, 2021Lakeview Lane, Burleson County, Texas, 77879, United StatesObservations of Coccocarpia palmicola in East and Central Texas show that the species can be found on various substrates, including sandstone rocks, large stones, and tree bark. The lichen thrives in shaded areas, such as oak forests and ravines, at locations like Lake Somerville Trailway and Lick Creek Park. It has been spotted throughout the year, from January to December, with no apparent seasonal pattern. The species exhibits a range of colors, including blue-gray, blue-green, and salted shell-like hues. On tree bark, it forms patches or grows along the margins, while on rocks, it can be found in close proximity to other lichens. Isidia, small outgrowths, are also present on some specimens, indicating a healthy and thriving population of Coccocarpia palmicola in these regions. The lichen's adaptability to different environments is notable.
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