More Portraits in Lichen

I've been marvelling at the lichens in our yard this rainy season. With the ongoing and sustained moisture levels, they have flourished and expanded. Lichen is a composite of algae or cyanobacteria living among fungi species with yeast being a possible third partner. They all live together in a mutualistic relationship (we humans should take note of the possibilities). Here are a few more lichen shots from our yard (see Portraits in Lichen for more).

Lichen and moss living side by side on an old fence

Lichen and ivy sharing another fence
(the lichen is lignicolous - grows on wood stripped of bark) 

In previous years of drought, the lichen remained but was not as plumped up and spongy. With the extra water this year, the lichen is thriving.

This greenshield lichen thrives on an ancient rhodie branch

A saxicolous lichen (grows on rocks)

With our landscaping project this year, I'm concerned about preserving as much of the moss and lichen as possible. Lichen is very slow growing, and takes time to establish.

Lichen and moss flourish on an informal rock planter

Another saxicolous lichen

Even with my preservation plans, next year might be a prime time to experiment with dyeing with lichen. Reading Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book by Karen Diadick several years ago, piqued my interest in all the dye colors that lichen can produce, including shades of red, gold, brown, yellow, and purple. Even if the local lichens turn out to be colorless, lichen can also be used as a mordant. Until then, enjoy these portraits in lichen from our Bay Area yard.