Likin’ Lichens
I
Story and photographs by Pamela Cohen
f polled, I wonder how many people actually
would know what lichen is and what it looks like.
An exuberant teacher in middle school science
may have covered this topic, but surely, after this
early exposure, the subject matter has been long forgotten
in most peoples’ minds. On Kiawah Island, however, a walk
in the maritime forest or almost anywhere else will result in
numerous encounters with lichens.
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They grow on trees, rocks, bark, and almost anything
that does not move. Like snowflakes, each individual lichen
has a different appearance and can sport quite unique and
beautiful characteristics. Their traits can vary depending on
geographic location. Some appear as crusty or scaly, two or
three-dimensional. Others display leafy designs with a range
of muted colors. These woodland wonders can inspire endless
biological analysis and upon close inspection are quite lovely.
Naturally Kiawah