Tree Coral by Chipka

Photography • Flowers/Plants • posted on May 01, 2013

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Description

My interest in lichens stems from a childhood fascination with tree coral and tree barnacles, and a vague disappointment that small, creatures with feather-like feeding appendages did not dwell within the odd, splatter-shapes I’d seen at home on tree bark. That disappointment didn’t last as lichens have proven to be stranger than I’d initially thought, as a child. Despite my love of tree corals and tree barnacles, I know less about them than I do of the things that may eat them, but my affection remains. It comes as no surprise, then, that lichens keep me company when I take breaks at work. It comes as no surprise, then, that I photograph them, when I can. As woodlice are harder to come by, I’m comfortable with the lichen stop-gap, the lichen stand-in. I’m sure that I’ll see, and photograph, more woodlice in the future. Sooner rather than later, but until then, I’m content with lichens. I saw this specimen, as expected, on a tree. This photograph was taken near my home, as I was on my way to work. The tree in question is a sturdy Maple, and it wears a coat of ashy-green lichen. The epiphytic growth is healthy, vigorous; it harbors—I suspect—colonial ambitions, and that—in and of itself—is reason enough for me to like it. Lichens, after all, make great neighbors. As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all having a great week.

Comments (14)

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Faemike55

11:30PM | Wed, 01 May 2013

I'm lichen this image ( I know that this is a bit trite but still....) Great capture Chip!

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Wolfenshire

11:31PM | Wed, 01 May 2013

I like this. Not just because it is nature and i like nature stuff, but art wise all the dark shadows fascinate me. One could sketch this for days and not get bored.

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durleybeachbum

12:14AM | Thu, 02 May 2013

This one looks particularly vigorous!

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beachzz

1:30AM | Thu, 02 May 2013

cool stuff, but it made me think of that old warning: "this is your brain on acid". i don't know where these thoughts come from!!

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wysiwig

1:30AM | Thu, 02 May 2013

Very cool image. If you hadn't said anything I would have thought you took a picture at the bottom of the ocean. I saw a woodlouse today. It was crossing the sidewalk from one landscaped area to another. Unfortunately I couldn't stop to see where it was going.