Frog Fingers

Day 108: If you've been in a western Washington evergreen forest, you've undoubtedly seen at least one species of Hypogymnia, commonly referred to as "tube" lichens. This genus is characterized by lobes which appear to be inflated, twisted around into a herd of surrealistic balloon animals, some of which may be carrying odd, upturned umbrellas (the lichen's fruiting bodies, i.e., its apothecia). These lobes are actually hollow and, if separated into upper and lower layers, the colour of interior of the upper layer (the medullary ceiling) can be an aid to identification. In many species, it is dark brown; in others, either black or white. The diameter of the lobes is also helpful, as is the manner in which they fork (regularly or irregularly). Closer examination may reveal perforations at the tips of the lobes, again a diagnostic feature.

My geocaching partner likes to say that the reason I notice things like lichens and mushrooms is because I'm built closer to the ground than most people. While that may be a factor, I think it's due to the fact that I never outgrew the curiosity inherent in childhood. That said, I would like to encourage each of my readers to take a closer look at the small things in nature the next time you go out walking. You may be surprised by beauty in the microcosm at your feet.

Hypogymnia Apinnata, Beaded Tube Lichen

Day 99: Sometimes you just have to go with your best guess. Hypogymnia apinnata and H. enteromorpha are so similar that it is impossible to tell them apart reliably in the field, and my home laboratory is not equipped to test for the acid reaction which may or may not distinguish them from each other. Their distribution is almost identical as well, so location is of no help. In the Pacific Northwest, enteromorpha is more common and indeed, I believe I saw many examples during my hike of Eatonville's Bud Blancher Trail. However, there were subtle differences in a very few specimens (half a dozen at most), and among them was this compact colony which made me pause for a photo. Lichens and their admirers can be said to have something in common: we go out on limbs. I'll extend myself on one to call this H. apinnata.

Totally Tubular

 Day 52: A number of very similar tube lichens grow in the Pacific Northwest, and a dissecting microscope and chemical testing may be needed to differentiate them. For the most part, the Hypogymnias feel somewhat like fragments of balloon, i.e. rubbery and limp, and will stretch significantly without tearing. The lobes are hollow, as can be seen in many cases by close observation of the tips (upper left). The lower surface is black, and the upper surface may be flecked with black pycnidia as well. The apothecia are generally large and obvious, and may be perforated at the center (lower right). The Hypogymnias occur commonly on conifers including Douglas fir. Absence of smaller lobules along the margins of the main lobes suggests that this specimen from Longmire is Hypogymnia apinnata (as opposed to H. enteromorpha which exhibits that characteristic).