Lungwort, a large, leafy lichen, grows on trees. And when the rains are heavy and prolonged, it falls off in great chunks. I picked one up beside our trail in Miracle Beach park, vibrantly green, after weeks of soaking.
Lungwort, Lobaria pulmonaria, on wet log, moss, and maple leaves. |
If you look closely (check the middle lobe on the far right), the reproductive structures, soredia and/or isidia, are visible as small, brownish lumps along the edge and the ridges.
Soredia are powdery propagules composed of fungal hyphae wrapped around cyanobacteria or green algae. (Wikipedia)
An isidium is a vegetative reproductive structure ... They are fragile structures and may break off and be distributed by wind, animals, and splashing raindrops. (Wikipedia)
I flipped the lichen over. The underside was lumpy, almost white, except for the pale brown wool in the valleys.
Lungwort underside. Some of the soredia are visible along the edges. |
I don't often see this lichen so brilliantly green. Once the rains stop, it dries to a pale yellowish brown.
Lungwort in dry weather. Taken at Brown's Bay, last February. |
I've never seen a lichen even remotely that green!
ReplyDeleteIt's unusual, even here.
DeleteThat should be an easier one for me to identify if I see it. - Margy
ReplyDelete