Usnea esperantiana Contorted Beard Lichen

A small, compact beard lichen which has short, curled, gnarled or twisted branch tips which are very noticeable on close inspection. It is occasional in coastal areas and the uplands of West Glamorgan, mostly occuring on larch. It seems to be expanding its range norrthwards in Britain probably in response to climate change. It prefers mild oceanic conditions.