Lichen, Not Even 101

 
So I thought I'd get some pictures of a really common lichen and that would be easier to identify. Right? Wrong.



So this one grows on just about any tree in the woods around here. Maybe. It's probably one of a group of cousins in the genus Parmelia.



And right there, I am stuck until I learn to follow some botanical rules I certainly know and preach with leafy plants. Look at both sides of the leaf. Learn the vocabulary. Check the texture. Blah, blah. Did I do any of these things. Nope.

Here it is close up.



Soredia= a cluster of granule-like cells on the surface. These are photosynthetic and are wrapped with a few strands of fungus.

Apothecia= those little cups where spores are produced. See some at Three Lichen.

Soralia= masses of soredia

OK, I give up for tonight. Maybe I can remember to look at the back next time.

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