Thanks to the excessive amounts of moisture on the west side of the Cascades, Washington is a great place to find and learn about lichens. Many might not realize that lichens are fungi, but they are! In fact, lichens are the product of a symbiotic relationship between a fungi and green algae and/or cyanobacteria. The fungi provides a home and protection, while the “green stuff” provides nutrients via photosynthesis.
Today we’ll be talking about one particular local lichen, Lobaria pulmonaria.
Lobaria pulmonaria (left) next to one of its common look-alikes, Lobaria oregana (right). L. pulmonaria has much smoother edges and is not so white on its underside.
Did you know there’s a mushroom that lives and grows underwater? And it’s from the PNW!
Mark your calendars! This year, the 17th International Fungi and Fibre Symposium will be happening nearby, in Madeira Park, BC, Oct 17-22. Registration opens March 1st. Find out more, including a list of workshops, at fungiandfibre2016.org.