Thomas Bancroft Photography

Lichen Community

Usnea made a rough hairdo on this dead branch, and Hypogymnia hung down like an unkempt beard. The designs these lichens make as they grow always make me wonder. The commensal relationship of the fungus and algae or blue-green algae gives it a sustainable life. Might we learn something from these organisms and work together better?

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Filename: Lichen Community-Deception Pass State Park-Skagit County--2.jpg
Copyright: @ Thomas Bancroft
Image Size: 2500x1665 / 1.3MB; Beard Lichen Bryophytes Hypogymia sp. Lichens Tube Lichen Usnea sp.
Contained in galleries: Bryophytes - Deception Pass State Park

Usnea made a rough hairdo on this dead branch, and Hypogymnia hung down like an unkempt beard. The designs these lichens make as they grow always make me wonder. The commensal relationship of the fungus and algae or blue-green algae gives it a sustainable life. Might we learn something from these organisms and work together better?