Hydropunctaria oceanica

Hydropunctaria oceanica is a species of saxicolous (rock-dwelling) crustose lichen in the family Verrucariaceae. Described as new to science in 2012, it is a marine lichen. It forms thin, dark grey-brown to brown-black crusts on rock surfaces along the seashore, often in areas that receive occasional rainfall. It is characterised by its roughened surface texture, large photobiont cells, and distinctive reproductive structures. Although similar in appearance to the common littoral zone lichen Hydropunctaria maura, with which it often grows, H. oceanica is genetically distinct. At the time of its description, it was known to occur in Wales and southwestern Ireland.