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Likable Lichens |
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Lichens, mostly symbiotic relationships between fungi and algae, often grow in the same habitats as moss--frequently commingled. When in doubt, if it is crunchy or slimy, it's not a moss and likely a lichen. |
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One of the most famous PNW lichens is Lobaria oregana, a nitrogen fixer that grows happily in intact forest canopies (left). Equally important Bryoria and Alectoria are winter forage for squirrels and voles (below right and left). The reindeer lichens (center) are a staple for boreal ungulates. |
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The scraping radula of this cute little mollusk is making headway on these crustose lichens. |
| Some claim that large-lobed edible umbilcates (left, over an interwoven layer of crustose lichens) were the manna from heaven. Although common throughout northern Alaska and Canada, I've only seen solid carpets of reindeer lichen (right) in New England. | |
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