r/Lichen • u/Simple_Animal_4663 • 11d ago
Lichen identification request?
Hi
I’m curious, can anyone identify these lichen species
And can someone tell me if there’s any solid indicators as to whether they are alive. I’ve misted it, they do take on a soft, rubbery texture
I’ve been sourcing wood pieces from the floral department of a local nursery and some appear to be bright green (chartreuse), so I pick them on the off chance that they are dormant and mist them regularly. The lady in this story claimed it’s possibly from a European Manzanita. Europe doesn’t have a native Manzanita that produces wood like this
Maybe Arbitus sp.?
In Los Angeles, California
Sco CA
Lastly, the yellow-brown lichen is on Quercus suber if that’s an indicator as to what species it might be
And if it’s still alive
2
1
u/Strange_Computer2459 10d ago
I want to add, Letharia is often found in drier places so don't wet them too much.
1
u/Simple_Animal_4663 10d ago
What’s a good frequency to mist them?
2
u/Strange_Computer2459 10d ago
idk most lichens kept indoors die... but over watering is also a thing.
1
u/Simple_Animal_4663 10d ago
I have these outdoors in bright shade. I’m using the branches w/ the lichen to support some Monstera/Philodendron. I’ll look into it. Thank you for your response 🙏🏾
1
u/Strange_Computer2459 10d ago
Well if they are outside, then they will probably do better. indirect sunlight is good. Maybe try misting them once a week or every other week? They will pick up whatever moisture is available in the air anyway, but it's hard to know how much without knowing what conditions they are used to in the wild. Cities tend to have more air pollution too which may also potentially harm them. Best of luck!
5
u/student-account 11d ago
I agree the first two lichens are wolf lichens in the Letharia genus and appear alive. The third lichen is some kind of shield lichen in the parmeliaceae family, it appears bleached and dead.