Pelt Rhizines

Day 85: While the discussion of pelt lichens is still fresh in my readers' minds, I thought another view of Membranous Dog-Lichen might be appreciated. If you thought their top sides were strange, this is what you would see if you turned one over. These threadlike structures are called rhizines, and they serve as roots to attach the lichen to wood or rock. Like any other root, the rhizines allow the organism to draw nutrients from the substrate.

Don't forget to stick a magnifier in your pocket the next time you go out for a nature walk! You never know what you might find.