Lichenomphalia
Basidiomycete fungi with a lichenized base bearing non-lichenized stalked, gilled mushrooms; thallus granular or with thin squamules, dark green to bright grass-green, containing the green alga Coccomyxa; cortex of large, blocky cells; mushrooms pale tan, grey-brown, whitish, or yellow-orange, lacking a veil, the gills sparse, decurrent; spores colourless, more or less pyriform.
References: Purvis et al. 1992; Redhead et al. 2002.
Lichenomphalia umbellifera (L. : Fr.) Redhead, Lutzoni, Moncalvo & Vilgalys
Thallus formed of loosely attached dark green granules 0.1-0.2 mm wide; granule cortex of thin-walled, blocky cells tightly fitted together, these forming a thin sheath around the algal cells within; algae Coccomyxa; spore-bearing body an ephemeral gilled mushroom, usually appearing in late spring or early summer.
Reactions: Spot tests all negative.
Contents: No known lichen substances.
Habitat: On decaying wood among mosses, also on soil. All forested elevations.
Similar Species: The thallus of Micarea prasina appears similar, but has smaller granules, and these lack the cortex of blocky cells.
Specimens: G. Thor 8458.
Local Status: Common.
Notes: Other Lichenomphalia species are known from the study area, but these have yet to be found as epiphytes.