Salted Shield (Boulder Lichen)

White to greenish gray Boulder Lichen can survive on the surface of a rock even though almost no moisture is available, and once established, their fibers begin to secrete an acid that dissolves minerals in the rock. They literally eat their way into it, opening up tiny fissures into which moisture forces its way, freezes and cracks off additional bits of rock. Eventually moss, grass and other small plants invade the crevices of the rock, and a layer of soil and vegetation slowly builds up.