Florida's Lichens
Please share your spottings of these under-appreciated life forms so others may learn about and enjoy the lichens of Florida. Lichens are composite organisms consisting of algae or cyanobacteria in a symbiotic relationship with multiple fungi. Many lichens are helpful indicators for air quality, are a food source for many animals, and are also used by humans for dyes, medicines, and even used for food in some cases. Lichens are not typically parasites, and usually only use their hosts for a place to grow. In some cases, lichen identification requires microscopic inspection and/or chemical tests, but many lichens can be identified based on their physical appearance and habitat.
Help document the diversity of lichens in Florida. If you know what kind of tree, rock, or other substrate on which the lichen is growing, note that in the habitat section. If you know what form the lichen appears to be taking, please note that in the description (fruticose, foliose, crustose, leprose, gelatinous, filamentous, byssoid, and/or structureless). Please describe the underside, apothecia, soralia position, isidia, cilia, lobes, lobules, medulla, and other features when possible.
Mission Wall