1*7 ï C 1777 ]
LICHEN aromaticüs.
Aromatic Lichen.
CRYPT0GAM1A Alga.
Gen. Char.. Male, scattered warts.
Female, smooth shields or tubercles, in which the
seeds are imbedded.
Spec. Char. Crust strongly rooted, indeterminate, of
irregular, minute, crowded, smooth, greyish white
portions. Shields in the interstices, black, roundj,
concave, with a thick black border.
Syn. Lecidea aromatica. Turn. MSS.
OBSERVED on old flint walls, especially where there is a
stratum of earth or moss, by Mr. Turner and Mr. W. Borrer,
to whom we are entirely indebted for a knowledge of this
curious species, which having been sent to Professor Acharius,
is allowed by him to be perfectly distinct from all hitherto
described.
Its most striking peculiarity is the powerful and highly
fragrant scent which this Lichen gives out, in a recent or
moist state more especially, when rubbed or bruised. In habit
and structure it so nearly resembles L. cceruleo-nigricans,
t, 113Q, that their specific differences can hardly be defined,
both being strongly rooted, consisting of crowded or imbricated
angular portions, and bearing black concave or flat
shields. But L. aromaticus is scarcely one fourth so large as
the cceruleo-nigricans, and the fragments of its crust are less
lobed and tumid, of a browner or whiter hue, yet not powdery.
The roots, and habit of the crust, distinguish it from L. atro-
allus, without adverting to the scent.