Synonyms: Physcia syncolla, Physciopsis syncolla.
Common name: Smooth Shadow-crust Lichen.
Hyperphyscia syncolla is a crustose to squamulose lichen that grows on bark, twigs, and rocks. In East and Central Texas, it typically forms small, rounded to irregular patches, 1-5 cm in diameter, with a grayish-brown to dark brown thallus. The apothecia are numerous, immersed to slightly raised, and have a reddish-brown disc. It is commonly found on deciduous trees, particularly oak and elm, in shaded to partially shaded areas, and is more abundant in the eastern part of the region where humidity is higher.
Smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) on a hackberry in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 12, 2019
23292 FM 1155, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Olive patch of smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) on a hackberry in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 12, 201923292 FM 1155, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) on lower branches of old acacia (huisache), some of them dried, between Signature Park 11 apartments and Oil Well near Park Hudson Trail. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 2019Park Hudson Trail, Bryan, TX 77802, USA
Smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) on lower branches of old acacia (huisache) between Signature Park 11 apartments and Oil Well near Park Hudson Trail. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 2019Park Hudson Trail, Bryan, TX 77802, USA
Smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) with brown apothecia on lower branches of old acacia (huisache) between Signature Park 11 apartments and Oil Well near Park Hudson Trail. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 2019Park Hudson Trail, Bryan, TX 77802, USA
Smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) on bark of lower branches of old acacia (huisache) between Signature Park 11 apartments and Oil Well near Park Hudson Trail. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 2019Park Hudson Trail, Bryan, TX 77802, USA
Smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) and other lichens on lower branches of old acacia (huisache) between Signature Park 11 apartments and Oil Well near Park Hudson Trail. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 2019Park Hudson Trail, Park Hudson Trail, Bryan, TX 77802, USA
Smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) and rosette lichen (Physcia) on lower branches of old acacia (huisache) between Signature Park 11 apartments and Oil Well near Park Hudson Trail. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 2019Park Hudson Trail, Park Hudson Trail, Bryan, TX 77802, USA
Hyperphyscia syncolla and Physcia lichens on lower branches of old acacia (huisache) between Signature Park 11 apartments and Oil Well near Park Hudson Trail. Bryan, Texas, January 27, 2019Park Hudson Trail, Park Hudson Trail, Bryan, TX 77802, USA
Smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) on a huisache(?) tree in abandoned TAMU Horticultural Gardens in Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, February 22, 2019530 Floriculture Rd, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Olive rosette of smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) on a huisache(?) tree in abandoned TAMU Horticultural Gardens in Texas A and M University. College Station, Texas, February 22, 2019555 Floriculture Rd, College Station, TX 77840, USA
Smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) and other lichens on Mexican buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa) in Antique Rose Emporium. Independence, Texas, February 27, 201910000 FM 50, Brenham, TX 77833, USA
Olive green patch of smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) and other lichens on Mexican buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa) in Antique Rose Emporium. Independence, Texas, February 27, 201910000 FM 50, Brenham, TX 77833, USA
Smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) with brown apothecia on Mexican buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa) in Antique Rose Emporium. Independence, Texas, February 27, 201910000 FM 50, Brenham, TX 77833, USA
Smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) on bark of Mexican buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa) in Antique Rose Emporium. Independence, Texas, February 27, 201910000 FM 50, Brenham, TX 77833, USA
Green patch of smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) in Antique Rose Emporium. Independence, Texas, February 27, 201910000 FM 50, Brenham, TX 77833, USA
Olive green patch of smooth shadow-crust lichen (Hyperphyscia syncolla) Mexican buckeye in Antique Rose Emporium. Independence, Texas, March 15, 202110000 FM 50, Brenham, TX 77833, USAIn East and Central Texas, Hyperphyscia syncolla was observed growing on various tree species, including hackberry, acacia (huisache), and Mexican buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa). The lichen formed olive-green to green patches on the bark of lower branches, often with brown apothecia. It was found in multiple locations, including Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Bryan, College Station, and Independence. In some cases, it co-occurred with other lichens, such as Physcia. The observations were made during the winter months (January and February) and one observation was made in March, suggesting that the species is present and visible year-round. The lichen's growth habit and appearance varied slightly depending on the substrate and location, but it generally formed smooth, crust-like patches on the tree bark.
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