How Do You Lichen These?

Winter is a good opportunity to look at the often missed world of lichens hidden under the flowers and leaves in the summer.  Not all lichens live on trees - some species are found on fences, roofs, walls, tombstones rocks and pavements. Lichens consist of a fungus and an alga. Together they form a symbiotic relationship of mutual benefit to both. The fungus forms the body of the lichen known as the ‘thallus’ which provides a layer of protection for the algae from extreme temperatures and drought. The fungus relies on the algae to provide the food. Lichens are sensitive to levels of acid and nitrogen in the air and so can be useful as pollution indicators. There are over 1500 species of lichens in Britain.  There are a number of common lichen species around Radipole Lake. Unfortunately, few have English names.

 

 

Xanthoria parientina

This bright orange species is very common near the coast and is the most resistant to air pollution. You can see this species on the bridge near the Visitor Centre and in the hedgerows on the reserve. This lichen likes nutrient rich trees and walls especially bird perching sites.

 

 

  

 

 

 

Amandinea punctata

This species is very common on the blackthorn in the hedgerows near the Visitor Centre and also likes nutrient enriched sites.

  

 

 

 

 

Evernia prunastri

A common species in the Radipole hedgerows easily identified as the branches are green-grey above with a white underside. Long tailed tits often use the lichen to camouflage their nests. In the past this lichen was used as a perfume fixative, dying, hair powder and bread flavouring.

 

 

 

 

Physcia aipolia

This species also likes nutrient rich sites but is not so common on Radipole though it can be seen on the wooden railing fence by the path to the North Hide. The black ‘jam tarts’ are the fruiting bodies containing the spores.

 

 

 

 

 

Graphis scripta

This species is common on smooth bark trees and twigs and can be seen on the blackthorn in the hedgerows at Radipole. It is named Graphis due to the resemblance of the fruiting body to old-fashioned writing.

 

 

 

 

 

Lecanora campestris

This one can be found on the concrete bridge on Radipole and on the brick walls on Beachdown Way, Lodmoor. This species can be identified by the reddish-brown ‘jam tarts’ being very crowded in the centre and are contorted in more mature specimens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ramalina fastigiata

The lichen is common in the Radipole hedgerows and prefers well-lit nutrient rich bark. The branches are short and end in many fruiting bodies. This species presence indicates clean air and can be found in abundance away from the roads around Radipole.

 

 

 

 

Lecanora muralis

This one is common in urban areas and is one of the more pollution resistant lichens. Often found on pavements where it is mistaken for discarded chewing gum. Hence, it is known as the ‘Chewing Gum Lichen’. This can found on the patio area outside the Visitor Centre.

 

 

 

 

 

How many lichens can you count on this branch?

This photo is of one the branches on the ash tree by the path near the Buddleia Loop and is a good place to see a variety of lichens together.  How many lichen species can you count on this branch?