Parmelia Sulcata

Day 33: Collectively known as "wax-paper lichens," the Parmelias are characterized by a surface which resembles that of crinkled wax paper. To differentiate certain of them in the field (some require chemical testing), it may be necessary to observe the rhizines (root-like structures) on the backs of the lobes, and one should observe the ridges and cracks closely (preferably with a hand lens) for the development of soredia (asexual reproductive structures). Although I was fairly certain that both of the specimens I was examining were Parmelia sulcata despite the fact that one was distinctly long in the soredia department, I took a small sample of each one (of a size smaller than the pink of my little fingernail), dropped them in one of the test tubes I always carry in my bag, and checked them under the microscope when I got home. Yup, both sulcata. And for those of you who might be interested, the term "sulcata" means "furrowed." Knowing that will make remembering the characteristics of this lichen a bit easier.

Melanelixia Glabratula

Day 86: Some rather interesting deconstructive typographical errors on line made it difficult for me to identify Melanelixia glabratula (formerly M. fuliginosa). This species is one of very few "camouflage" lichens present in the Pacific Northwest. Its army-fatigues colour is due to its green algal photobiont; other lichens such as the Parmelia sulcata to its left and the Usnea along the bottom of the twig depend on blue-green cyanobacteria as their photosynthetic partner. The underside of this Melanelixia is black, exhibiting simple, unforked rhizines (root-like structures). On my next exploration of Rainey Creek, I'll look for more of it. I only found it in one small area during my recent hike.