Common name: cartilage lichen.
Ramalina celastri is a fruticose lichen that grows as pendant or erect shrubs, typically 2-10 cm long. It has a yellow-green to pale green thallus with numerous cylindrical branches and terminal apothecia. In East and Central Texas, R. celastri is commonly found on trees, particularly oak and cedar, in open woods and along streams. It is widespread in the region, with records from counties including Bastrop, Brazos, Grimes, and Williamson. The lichen thrives in areas with full sun to partial shade and moderate to high humidity.
Greenish fruiticose lichen Ramalina celastri looking like antlers on a twig picked under an oak on campus of Texas A and M University after a tropical storm "Ike". College Station, Texas, September 13, 2008
Octopus-like palmetto lichen (Ramalina celastri) and other species of Ramalina on a fallen oak branch in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 23, 2019
Unnamed Road, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Octopus-like palmetto lichen (Ramalina celastri) in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 18, 2019Raccoon Run, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Octopus-like palmetto lichen (Ramalina celastri) in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, October 5, 2019Unnamed Road, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Octopus-like palmetto lichen (Ramalina celastri) in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, December 8, 201923400 Park Rd 12, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Octopus-like palmetto lichen (Ramalina celastri) on a small oak in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, December 8, 2019Old Washington Town Site Loop Trail, Washington, TX 77880, USA
Foliose lichens Ramalina celastri and Teloschistes exilis at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, December 21, 2019905 Lakeview Ln, Somerville, TX 77879, USA
Palmetto lichen (Ramalina celastri) on a small tree or a bush in half-open area at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 26, 2020801 Lakeview Ln, Somerville, TX 77879, USA
Palmetto lichen (Ramalina celastri) on a bush in half-open area at Lake Somerville Trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, January 26, 2020805 Lakeview Ln, Somerville, TX 77879, USA
Foliose lichens Ramalina celastri and Teloschistes exilis on a twig of elm when exposed to regular daylight as well as when illuminated by a 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight from a trailway near Birch Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, August 28, 2024
Cartilage lichen (Ramalina celastri) on a twig when exposed to regular daylight as well as when illuminated by a 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight from Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, August 29, 2024
Powdered ruffle lichen (Parmotrema hypotropum) and cartilage lichen (Ramalina celastri) when exposed to regular daylight as well as when illuminated by a 365 nm ultraviolet (UV-A) blacklight from Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, August 29, 2024Observations of Ramalina celastri in East and Central Texas show that it grows on various substrates, including twigs, branches, and small trees or bushes. The lichen was found in multiple locations, including the Texas A&M University campus, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Lick Creek Park, and Lake Somerville Trailway. It was observed to have different forms, such as greenish fruticose, octopus-like palmetto, and foliose. The lichen was also found to grow in half-open areas and under various lighting conditions. When exposed to UV-A blacklight, the lichen showed unique fluorescence patterns. The observations were made over a period of 16 years, from 2008 to 2024, and suggest that Ramalina celastri is a common and widespread species in East and Central Texas. Its presence was documented on oak, elm, and other tree species.
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