Day 170: As if lichens weren't fascinating enough by themselves, existing only by cooperation between fungus and algae, their common names are utterly intriguing. Peltigera membranacea (Membranous Dog-Lichen) is a member of the larger family of "pelts," which includes among other Dog and Fan Lichens such oddities as Freckle Pelt, Frog Pelt, Carpet Pelt, and Born-Again Pelt. Other families have even more peculiar names: Rock Pimples, Ragbag, Sea-Storm, Spray Paint. Who thought up the vernacular nomenclature? And what had he been drinking? I can understand Oakmoss and Bearded Lichen, but what about Naked Kidney and Salty Rock Tripe? Gritty British Soldiers? Bloody Comma? It's enough to make me wonder whether my love affair with these complex lifeforms has its roots in science or etymology.
I found and identified my first membranous dog lichen today and very much enjoyed this post. Thanks for the info and the laughs!
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