I got a kick out of seeing the Lichen on this mailbox in Oak Ridge! It is amazing sometimes where lichens can establish themselves and grow! We once had a basketball goal net that was encrusted with them. We have small yellow lichens growing on the cement of our patio and driveway. Lichens do not have roots, so they do not damage the object they grow on.
Parmotrema spp. Great Smoky Mountains NP Feb. 21, 2009 These black cilia are growing on the edges of the thallus of this lichen.
Munson, FL Dec. 26, 2008 I had seen this pretty lichen in a state park near Orlando, FL in 2000; I was surprised by the bright red color. The red hue comes from a chemical called chiodectonic acid. The lichen is used as a dye in Brazil.
