| Fungi of the Forest | |||
| Common Name: | Lichen (Old-man's Beard) | ||
| Best Seen: | Throughout the Year | Native: | Yes. Native of the area |
| Special Comments: | Lichen (Usnea spp.) is often seen draping from the higher branches and canopies of the redwoods and Douglas-firs throughout the year. Some people think this organism is a moss. Lichen, however, is a symbiotic fungus, made up of two organisms, a fungus and an alga, mutually benefiting from the other. The alga part photosynthesizes and provides nourishment, while the fungus provides structure and absorbs water and minerals so that the alga does not dry up and die. Lichens are part of the "Fungus Kingdom" because the fungus is considered the major partner in the relationship. Sometimes called "old-man's beard," look for pieces of lichen which have fallen to the ground from high tree branches, especially around Stops 4-8. See picture below. One of the most common lichens of the forest, Leploloma membranacea is the light-green silty fungus found on the lower part of the redwood. In Marcel's Forest, this fungus can be found particulary during the wet season. Read more on Fungi |
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A branch draped with "old-man's beard" lichen fell to the ground during a winter storm. (Click picture to make larger) |
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