A Liking for Lichens

Lichens love rainy days, when the moisture makes them vibrant. Here, old man's beard lichen (Usnea filipendula) is abundant and highly visible on this downy birch tree in winter.

Cladonia lichens, such as this species (Cladonia diversa), are described as fruticose, because they produce cup-like growths, sometimes with red caps on them, that release their spores for reproduction.

This grey lichen (Stereocaulon sp.) is common on rocks in Glen Affric, as are the brightly-coloured crustaceous species also in the photograph.

Cudbear lichen (Ochrolechia tartarea), seen here growing on a fallen birch log in Glen Affric, is easily identifiable and produces these pale brown discs to release its spores from.

Crustaceous lichens , such as the white ones (Pertusaria corallina) on this rock beside the Affric River, grow crust-like and flush on their substrate.

Tree lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria) is one of the largest lichens, and has a characteristic leaf-like, or foliose, growth form. It grows in areas with high humidity, on the bark of trees such as rowan, like this example near Badger Falls in Glen Affric.