Lichens are an intriguing combination of a photosynthetic partner (usually an algae) and a fungus. This symbiotic relationship allows them to grow in places – surface of rock, tree bark, and shingles on roofs – where other organisms have great difficulty. These images are from Quetico Park or areas adjacent to the park.
Lichens growing at the end of branch of a dead Jack pine near Kawene Lake.
This lichen with the wonderfully descriptive name - toad skin lichen - was photographed near Nydia Lake in northwestern Ontario.
A veneer of lichens covers this cliff on Beaverhouse Lake.
A slab of bedrock near Nydia Lake is home to a luxurious growth of lichens and some moss.
An outcrop of quartz north of Quetico Park supports a diverse crop of lichens.
A close-up look at a crustose lichen. The image is only about one inch across.
A jack pine needle resting on a lichen covered boulder.
Rock tripe is very common on cliff faces and large boulders throughout northwestern Ontario.
A solitary rock tripe lichen.
A eye-cathing brown foliose lichen with hairs on the back is growing here at the base of a well rotted tree.
A lilliput world exists at the base of a small decaying tree.
A British soldier and a Cladina lichen grow side by side near the base of a tree on Jasper Lake.
British soldiers protruding through a late September snowfall.
A tiny landscape of lichen and moss near French Lake in Quetico Park.
Two tall and lean lichens growing on a small gravel knob.
When a macro lens is used, a caribou lichen resembles coral.
Foliose and fruticose lichens on a fallen and decomposing white birch tree.
A diverse group of lichens on a dead spruce branch.
Another example of the varied species of lichens that can grow on a small tree branch.
Lichens of many varities flourish on an old jack pine cone.
Really enjoyed your lichen photos. Ihave seen most of these in Newfoundland over the years.
Great photos. Thanks for sharing.