Lichens of Elsewhere

10 October 2005

Lichens are a unique and very interesting form of "plant" life, actually a combination of lichenizing fungi and an algal photobiont. Lichens come in three basic forms: crustose (like a crust), foliose (leaf-like), and fruticose (shrub-like, but in miniature). Taxonomy of lichens is very interesting, based primarily on the types of chemical compounds form by the lichen, mostly acids. Identification for many species requires chemical tests and examination of tiny spores, making field identification next to impossible for many species, particularly the crustose species.

Below are some information and photographs of various lichens, almost all unidentified at this point, that occur beyond Ventura County. They range in color wildly, and contribute to the biodiversity. Some photos will have more than one lichen species, so look carefully.

All photos copyrighted by David L. Magney 2003-2005

Selected Lichens of the Santa Monica Mountains, near Deals Flat