| LICHENS -MOSS |
| Description The Boreal Felt Lichen grows on the branches or trunks of Balsam Fir, Black Spruce, White Spruce, or very occasionally Red Maple trees. This �leafy� lichen is typically 2 to 5 cm in diameter, but it occasionally grows as large as 10 cm. The edges of the body of the lichen are slightly curled up, exposing the whitish underside. Overall the lichen appears either bluish grey (when it is well hydrated) or dark grey to greyish brown (when it is dry). Lichens are unusual creatures. A lichen is not a single organism as most other living things are; rather it is a combination of two organisms that coexist in a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship. Most of the lichen is composed of fungal filaments, but living among the filaments are cells of a blue-green alga. Habitat Typical habitat for the Boreal Felt Lichen is northerly exposed forested slopes where cool and moist conditions prevail throughout most of the year. These mature forest sites are also rich in moisture-loving species such as sphagnum mosses and Cinnamon Fern. In well-lit forests, the Boreal Felt Lichen is found predominantly on tree trunks' whereas in more shaded habitats it is found mostly on branches. Biology The Boreal Felt Lichen is long-lived, and the average age at which adults reproduce is about 30 years. Growth of a new lichen individual is the result of interaction between the spores of a mature lichen and an alga that is present in the environment. This alga is found in the water sacs of a small liverwort plant that also grows on the surface of the same trees as the lichen, and it has been suggested that new lichen individuals can only develop inside these liverwort plants. The presence of this alga makes the lichen particularly sensitive to acid rain and other pollutants. When the lichen grows on the particularly acidic bark of spruce trees, it has a reduced ability to survive when stressed by acidic air pollutants (compared to when it grows on fir trees). The sensitivity of the Boreal Felt Lichen to airborne pollutants could make it a good indicator species for air quality. The Boreal Felt Lichen has been called the �Panda Bear� of the lichens. International interest in this ancient life form has resulted in an appeal from the International Association of Lichenology to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the protection of the lichen and its habitat. |
| Description The Cryptic Paw lichen is leafy, rounded and loosely pressed in appearance. It measures 3 to 7 cm across. The upper surface is pale yellowish- to greenish- or bluish-grey, while the lower surface is pale tan at the edges, blackish toward the centre. Both sides are dull and naked. The bottom is finely wrinkled. A lichen is a plant organism composed of a fungus and an alga in symbiotic association. Habitat The Cryptic Paw Lichen is restricted to humid old-growth forests at lower elevations in mountainous regions. It appears to have very specific ecological requirements, which include high humidity and moderate summer temperatures. Biology The species reproduces through spores (reproductive cells). Spores grow to become individuals identical to the parents, in a suitable habitat. Splashing rain carries spores short distances. Migrating birds and other animals disperse spores over longer distances. |
| Description Like all lichens, the Oldgrowth Speckledbelly is a fungus and an alga growing as a unit. It is large (5 to 12 cm across), broad-lobed, and loosely attached. The dull upper surface is a pale greenish-blue that is usually smooth, although short stiff hairs may appear and make it feel rough. The top is also often weakly dimpled. This is the only North American lichen with a spotted lower surface (tiny white spots on a pale brownish background), a white medulla, and torn lobe margins. The underneath is also wrinkled and matted with short tufts of hair. The lobes are short to elongate, thin, stiff and brittle; they loosely overlap and measure 1.5 to 3 cm across. Habitat The plant is restricted in Canada to sheltered old-growth forest ecosystems in British Columbia. It is found at low to moderate elevations in the Coastal Western Hemlock zone. It occupies at least five of the ten sub-zones, which suggests that the plant is widely but sparsely distributed. It colonizes a wide assortment of trees and shrubs, but occurs most frequently on conifers. It is very slow at becoming established, but can become locally abundant with time. The climatic conditions of the habitat in B.C. are highly oceanic and markedly humid. Associated species include Sword Fern, False Azalea, Alaska Blueberry, Oval-leaf Blueberry and Dwarf Dogwood. Biology Although the plants possess sexual organs, their reproduction seems to occur through vegetative means, by the production and dispersal of spores. The spores can be dispersed by water, wind or animals. Migratory birds likely carry spores long distances in their feathers and on their feet. |
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| Description The Seaside Bone Lichen is a semi-erect leafy organism. It occurs on twigs and branches of young conifers within its restricted habitat. It measures 5 to 8 cm across, and possesses long, narrow, laterally branched lobes. The lobes resemble tiny crooked fingers. They are also hollow and pliant, and are mostly separate to loosely overlapping. The lobes measure one to 2.5 mm wide, and the tips are somewhat tapered and inclined. The plant's upper surface is strongly convex, and is pale grey or whitish in colour and dull, giving the lichen a "dirty" look. The lower surface is black, shiny, wrinkled, occasionally perforated. Habitat The Canadian population is restricted to conifers, especially Pinus contorta, in younger forest stands in exposed seaside locations along the Pacific coast. The area's climate is considered oceanic, which is characterized by a mean annual temperature of 12 �C, wet winters and summer droughts. Since the species occurs in younger forest strands, it may depend upon periodic fires. Salts from sea spray may also be integral. Biology Reproduction appears to occur through sexual means, i.e., through the production of ascospores. Wind, water and animals, especially birds, disperse these spores. Specimens within the Canadian range tend to produce fewer spores, but the species' overall reproductive success is very good. |