Yes, I Said Lichen

Day 181: The taxonomists have struck again. Only recently renamed Lichenomphalia umbellifera (formerly Omphalina umbellifera) is one of the most unusual lichens you may encounter. Wait, did you say "lichen?" Yes, I did. It is one of very few species of lichen which carries out its reproductive process in the same manner as a mushroom, i.e., with spores which grow out out of cells (basidiomycetes) rather than being contained within them (ascomycetes). The thallus (vegetative body) is actually the pea-green crust you see on the wood. The "mushroom" is the fruiting body. For once, I applaud the taxonomists. Now perhaps with its new name, this LICHEN will get the respect it deserves and will no longer be dismissed as "that little tan mushroom."