About Baeomyces rufus (Huds.) Rebent.
Baeomyces rufus is characterized by bulbous apothecia that can range in color from reddish brown to orange to pink, and become translucent when wet. These apothecia reach a maximum diameter of 2 mm, and grow atop stalks no taller than 6 mm. The thallus can be green, grey, or greenish-grey, and may have a brownish tinge. Unlike other species in the Baeomyces genus, B. rufus has unlobed margins. Baeomyces rufus is the most common of the beret or cap lichens. It has a circumpolar distribution, found in North America, Asia, and Europe, and occurs as far south as Turkey. In its southern ranges, it is limited to mountainous areas. Its typical habitats are temperate pine forests, and it particularly prefers moist sites and disturbed ground. Specimens can grow directly on soil, leaf litter, tree bark, or stones. It prefers shaded locations over locations exposed to direct sunlight.
