30 Comments
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Tracy Codel's avatar

I loved learning about lichen. Thank you. Also I will have my eyes out now for this hoary variety and hope to catch it changing colors. Fascinating.

Penny J Leisch's avatar

It's beautiful. I love the partnerships nature creates. You explain it so well. What fun to be able to share it here.

Tinabeth Chapman's avatar

I love lichen

Gloria Foster's avatar

How amazing! Nature always just knocks my socks off, especially when observed, explained and shared by your excellent prose, Diane! This is one more window opened to my plant-loving, Nature-loving soul. I may never see a Hoary Rosette LIchen, but I can appreciate them sight-unseen now. Thanks again dear heart!

Patty Matherly Dolllive's avatar

Amazing science lesson—clearly explaining amazing science! Great photos, to boot, as always! Thank you, Diane!

Bonnie Bishop's avatar

Wonderful photos, wonderful explanation! Reminds me that there are many necessary, but hidden partnerships throughout the natural world including humans! Thank you again, Diane!

Diane Porter's avatar

Thanks for the nice comment, Bonnie.

terrywoodrow's avatar

Thank you for this amazing information! And thanks Gregg for the book recommendation, Entangled Life”!

Diane Porter's avatar

I'll be interested in how you like the book.

Matthew Penna's avatar

Funny you call it “The Two” as I’m currently reading a book on the Heaven’s Gate cult and the leaders were collectively referred to as The Two.

Diane Porter's avatar

Ohh, but that the two was not such a good thing. Still, when my husband and I come across something so current in personal lives, we say, "Check."

Julie Gabrielli's avatar

Marvelous! A forest ranger taught us this little mnemonic: Freddie Fungus and Alice Algae met and took a “lichen” to each other. 🥰

Diane Porter's avatar

That's neat. I might even remember it. Really sums it up, doesn't it?

Juliet Wilson's avatar

I love lichens, thanks for giving us a close look at this species!

Diane Porter's avatar

I'm always happy to hear that anyone loves lichens!

A Walk With Ruth's avatar

Funnel cake! Also appreciate the pronunciation tip!

Diane Porter's avatar

Nice, Ruth. "Funnel Cake Lichen" is not a bad name at all, and really rather apt!

anon's avatar

Can't HELP myself: I sure lichen this Post!😁

Diane Porter's avatar

Thanks. I'm glad it grows on you

Moni's avatar

Thank you Diane for the fascinating in depth knowledge about lichens. It is a marvel how 2 species are so entwined with each other to exist! Lichens would be an interesting subject to study...maybe in my next lifetime! Thanks for sharing!!

Diane Porter's avatar

So much nature to look at, so short a lifetime!

Sandy S's avatar

Lots of good stuff here Diane. Thanks for the help with pronunciation and your terrific pics! Hoary Rosette alias 'Pastry Dough' lichen is fascinating! :-)

Diane Porter's avatar

Thanks for the kind words, Sandy. I had trouble remembering the scientific name until I realized it starts with fishy

Gregg's avatar

i am reading “entangled life” by merlin sheldrake. it is an incredible journey through the lives of fungi if you haven’t read it…thanks for your writing and photographs.

Diane Porter's avatar

I enjoyed that book a lot.

Moni's avatar

Agree!! Entangled Life is a fascinating read!!

Larry Stone's avatar

Great photos and explanation! More of us should like lichens!

Diane Porter's avatar

Thanks Larry. I was hoping people would be interested in the subject and that the story wouldn't fall flat on its thallus