Ramalina americana
A pale, bushy tuft of Sinewed Bushy Lichen rises from the bark like a small thicket of branching ribbons. The flattened branches twist and divide into irregular forks, their surfaces dusted with fine powdery soredia that soften the edges of the thallus. From a distance the lichen appears almost threadlike, but close views reveal sturdy strap-like branches with a subtly sinewed texture.
This fruticose lichen often grows among other bark-dwelling species, forming part of a lively lichen mosaic on tree trunks. In this scene, the pale Ramalina tuft stands out against nearby patches of golden sunburst lichens, creating a striking contrast of form and color on weathered oak bark.
For identification details and comparison with other similar species, see
the Ramalina americana in the Field Notes section.
Sinewed Bushy Lichen Rising from Sunburst Lichen
Pale Ramalina branches rise from a patchwork of bright sunburst lichens on weathered oak bark.
Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk IV
Lens: EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
Settings: ISO 100 • Aperture f/16 • Shutter 1.0 s
E21A9554_Merge • Size: 5445x2630