Christina Melton
Connections In Nature: Lichen
Usnea on Mountain Laurel, Bennett Gap Trail
2014 © Christina Melton
__________________
Connections in nature result in an organism that is greater than the sum of its parts...
A lichen is composed of at least two different but connected organisms – a fungus and a colony of microscopic green algae or cyanobacteria. The fungus supplies a root structure, the shape, and reproductive structures. The fungus also finds, soaks up, and retains water and nutrients. The algae or bacterial cells provide carbohydrates to the combined organism through photosynthesis – something a fungus cannot do. In effect, the fungus is fed by the algal partner. The algae partners in lichens cannot live outside their host, nor can the host live without its algae. It is their connection to each other and to their environment that permits each composite organism to survive and to thrive.
This particular stringy lichen, Usnea (Old Man’s Beard), is said to be an indicator of air quality. If the air quality where it is growing is compromised, this lichen disappears. Almost anyone who has walked through a forest has encountered Usnea, but may not have noticed it and probably didn't know the inconspicuous gray-green fuzzy stuff covering many of the trees is one of the strongest immune tonics in the herb world. Usnea species – a source of antibiotic and antifungal lichen acids – have widespread potential for medical applications, with Usnic acid being found more effective against some bacterial strains than penicillin (particularly against Staphylococcus and Pneumonococcus). It has been used in cosmetic production for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties as a preservative and deodorant, and to create dyes for textiles.
• www.freshvista.com/2012/patterns-in-nature-lessons-from-l...
• www.christopherhobbs.com/wp-website/wp-content/uploads/20...
• www.susunweed.com/An_Article_wisewoman3d.htm
Connections In Nature: Lichen
Usnea on Mountain Laurel, Bennett Gap Trail
2014 © Christina Melton
__________________
Connections in nature result in an organism that is greater than the sum of its parts...
A lichen is composed of at least two different but connected organisms – a fungus and a colony of microscopic green algae or cyanobacteria. The fungus supplies a root structure, the shape, and reproductive structures. The fungus also finds, soaks up, and retains water and nutrients. The algae or bacterial cells provide carbohydrates to the combined organism through photosynthesis – something a fungus cannot do. In effect, the fungus is fed by the algal partner. The algae partners in lichens cannot live outside their host, nor can the host live without its algae. It is their connection to each other and to their environment that permits each composite organism to survive and to thrive.
This particular stringy lichen, Usnea (Old Man’s Beard), is said to be an indicator of air quality. If the air quality where it is growing is compromised, this lichen disappears. Almost anyone who has walked through a forest has encountered Usnea, but may not have noticed it and probably didn't know the inconspicuous gray-green fuzzy stuff covering many of the trees is one of the strongest immune tonics in the herb world. Usnea species – a source of antibiotic and antifungal lichen acids – have widespread potential for medical applications, with Usnic acid being found more effective against some bacterial strains than penicillin (particularly against Staphylococcus and Pneumonococcus). It has been used in cosmetic production for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties as a preservative and deodorant, and to create dyes for textiles.
• www.freshvista.com/2012/patterns-in-nature-lessons-from-l...
• www.christopherhobbs.com/wp-website/wp-content/uploads/20...
• www.susunweed.com/An_Article_wisewoman3d.htm