Day 160: Platismatia glauca ("Ragbag" or Varied Rag Lichen) is almost as common in Pacific Northwest forests as Doug fir cones. It is easily recognized by its pale grey-green colour, "limp dishrag" feel and brownish lower surface. Closer observation may reveal soredia on the margins of the lobes. These are "mini-lichens," reproductive structures capable of taking hold in the appropriate medium to become new colonies. Shown here with a fir cone for size comparison, the soredia are barely visible on this fresh, verdant specimen.
As for that fir cone, there's a widely circulated story about Grandfather Douglas Fir giving shelter to the creatures of the forest during a fire. It is not an authentic legend despite popular belief, but it's entertaining nevertheless. During the fire, the frightened animals ran to old Douglas Fir to plead for refuge from the flames, knowing that the Fir's thick bark protects the tree and allows it to survive all but the hottest fires. The elk left footprints on the interior of the cone's scales and the outline can be seen if you peel a dry scale away (mine were too wet). However, the mice were rather late in their approach and when they asked Doug Fir to harbour them, he said, "I don't know...it's awfully crowded in here, but you can try to squeeze in." The mice did so, but couldn't get all the way inside. You can see their little bottoms sticking out of the cone in this picture.
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