Clusters of Peniophora rufa form small cinnabar-colored cushions along the fissures of a weathered oak twig. The fungus grows directly on the bark, where its wrinkled surface contrasts with the surrounding community of lichens. Gray foliose lichens and tiny yellow crusts share the same patch of bark, creating a miniature landscape of color and texture. Such bark microhabitats often support several organisms at once, with fungi and lichens occupying different niches on the same piece of wood.
Cinnabar Cushions in a Lichen Garden
Clusters of Peniophora rufa forming cinnabar cushions among foliose and crustose lichens on oak bark.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 100 • Aperture f/13 • Shutter 1/5 s
E21A9617-29-1 • Size: 4884x3256
Settings: Focus stack, natural light
