Cornicularia normoerica (Gunnerus) Du Rietz

    Thallus in a small bush spread out on its substrate 10 cm in diameter and 2-3 cm in height, formed of more or less flattened branches of 1-2 cm in length and 1-3 mm in width, divided dichotomously, becoming stiff and prickly in dry weather, olive-brown if wet, blackish-brown in dry weather. Apothecia abundant but only at high altitudes, at the end of the branches, 3-6 mm in diameter, disc blackish, shiny, margin inconspicuous sometimes prickly or with digitate growths.. Colorless, elliptical spores with 2 vacuoles, 5-6 x 3-4 µm. Numerous globular pycnidia, partially submerged at the top of the branches, which gives them a "stag horn" appearance. Photobiont: Trebouxia. No significant color chemical reactions. Mountain species, common on siliceous rocks well exposed to sun and wind with yellow Rhizocarpon and Umbilicaria sp.