Likin’ the Lichen
Correction: LOVING it!
Ever in search of the amazing complex treasures from nature that are lichens, I came across some amazing ochre colored lichen on drift wood off the bay a couple of days ago. Did you know that lichens are the love child of a type of fungus and algae, yet it’s totally different in it’s physiology and biochemistry than isolated fungus or algae alone. They occur in some of the more extreme environments on Earth—arctic tundra, hot deserts and rocky coasts. They really are like little gems with their vibrant color a midst the more dull surfaces they grow on like drift wood, rocks and walls. In fact they’ve been known to be used for dyes and perfumes… So lovely!~
