Tree service professionals of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, share the unique features of lichens.
Explaining the World of Lichens
If you have ever been hiking in a deciduous forest, you have likely seen what looked like moss on the bark of a tree or growing on a large rock. Though these might actually be plants qualified as moss, the “plants” that we often see on the bark of trees are entirely different organisms.
This organism is called lichen. It is a name that many of us have heard, but there is a complex world behind that name that many people are not aware of. This article will attempt to open up that world and help people understand the basics of lichens and their environmental benefits.
What Are Lichens Exactly, and How Are They Identified?
Lichens are actually the product of a symbiotic relationship between fungus and algae. So, it is composed of two things from two different biological kingdoms simultaneously.
Fungi are in their own classification. Likewise, algae have their own biological classification, kingdom Protista. So, lichens are a strange hybrid of two completely different things: fungi and algae.
Fungi tend to break down dead material and do not have a way of producing their own food. Algae, like plants, use photosynthesis to create their own food. The fungal cells can feed off the food provided by the algae and form a fruiting body based on the fungus.
Algae, which can survive in water by itself, can survive in almost any environment in a lichen partnership with fungus.
The types of lichen that are produced are:
- Crustose Lichen: This type of lichen appears like a crust. They are often bright in color and tend to appear on rocks, roof shingles, and dirt.
- Foliose LIchen: These lichens are leaf-like in appearance and are often food for animals like deer. A shield lichen is an example.
- Fruticose Lichen: These tube-shaped or hair-like lichens are often seen hanging from trees. They tend to branch and grow like a shrub. These are the types of lichens that are harvested for use as foliage in model railroad builds.
Where Do Lichens Grow?
Lichens grow in almost every biome on the planet. Whether scientists are exploring the harsh arctic or the dry desert, they have found varieties of lichen. Some only grow in certain areas, while others are widespread.
They can grow on:
- Asphalt shingles
- Trees
- Rocks
- Soil
- Plastic
- Rusty metal
They are important as both a food source and a source of oxygen production through the algae partner in the symbiotic relationship.
Are They Harmful to Trees?
While lichen often grows on older trees, and even multiple types can grow on the same tree, it is not at all harmful to the tree itself. They may find more purchase on dead branches, but they are not the cause of any tree disease.
They attach themselves only to the surface of the tree and do not penetrate the bark. They can coexist with harmful fungi and bacteria, so an inspection by a certified arborist may be needed if a tree seems stressed or has branches in need of tree pruning or tree trimming.
About Greater Pitt Tree Service
Serving Pittsburgh, PA, and the surrounding areas, Greater Pitt Tree Service is available for 24-hour emergency service when you need it most. With over a quarter century of experience, they can handle everything from tree removal to tree risk assessment and landscaping. Call today for a free estimate.