SOLORINA. 



171 



we regard this species as a Sticta, and quite separated from 

 the Peltigeras by its cyphellse. Though very rare in fructi- 

 fication, it sometimes possesses spermogones similar to those 

 of Sticta pulmonaria ; but they are very minute, and with 

 difficulty visible. 



Genus III. SOLORINA, Ach. 



Gen. Char. Thallus coriaceoas-membranaceous, veined or fibril- 

 lose below. Apotheciura suborbicular, affixed to upper surface of 

 central lobes of thallus ; at first veiled by a very thin thalline mem- 

 brane, which soon dehisces, forming an evanescent margin. 



This genus is closely allied to Peltigera in the mode of 

 evolution of the apothecium ; it may be considered as a 

 transition-form or connecting link between Peltigera and 

 Sticta. 



1. Solorina crocea {crocus, saffron). Thallus, — above 

 dull green, becoming cinnamon-coloured when dry, — below 

 of a rich saffron-colour, villous, reticulated with brownish 

 thick veins, — prostrate, laciniate-lobate, with crisp margins ; 

 apothecia chestnut-coloured, flat, appressed. 



A very elegant alpine species, growing chiefly on granitoid 

 rocks or on a micaceous soil on the summits of many of 



