Day 63: The pinkish apothecia of Spray-Paint Lichen (Icmadophila ericetorum) seldom measure more than 3 mm. in diameter and are hardly noticeably to a casual observer. The blue-green crustose thallus will be the first thing to catch the eye, but it is quickly dismissed when the apothecia are discovered. However, under the microscope (large circle), the thallus is revealed to be a lumpy, bumpy world all of its own. Where many lichens appear leafy (foliose), Icmadophila is grainy, a characteristic which allows it to retain precious moisture during dry weather. Every dewdrop counts when you're a lichen!
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