Playing With Matches

Day 56: Three species of Matchstick Lichen occur in North America. One is confined to the coastal areas in Washington, and the other two appear frequently in Longmire and other Park locations, but unless you are looking for them specifically, you would probably pass them by without a second glance. Shown here with a fir needle for size comparison, Pilophorus clavatus (Tapered Matchstick) exhibits club-shaped, black apothecia atop podetia (stems) which may take on a reddish hue under certain conditions. Pilophorus acicularis (Devil's Matchstick) is similar in size, but has obviously round apothecia. Both species are "pioneers," i.e., they are capable of colonizing in a very thin layer of dust and can be found growing on otherwise bald rocks. Take a magnifier with you if you're hiking the Rampart Ridge trail, and if you happen to notice someone down on their knees in front of a rock, that's probably me, playing with Matches.