Hooded sunburst lichen with apothecia on oak

Description:

The lecanorine apothecia of Xanthomendoza fallax are less commonly seen and often absent. A few can be seen here. They are distinctive in their concave to flat shape, dull orange color and sorediate margins.The less dominant dark gray-brown (in this dry state) lichen that is growing here with the sunburst lichen is I believe Phaeophyscia orbicularis. Some of its dark brown apothecia can be seen here as well. The two seem to be common bedfellows.Feb. 2, 2013, growing on the bark of mature and arborescent Quercus gambelii, full southern exposure, Salt Lake County, Utah, approx. 4,350 ft. elev.