Lichen on a Lava Rock Wall

Lichen

Lichen
Location: Honaunau, Big Island, Hawaii

I saw this wall made of lava rock.  It was almost completely covered by lichens.  I cropped the photo so that a part of the lava rock was visible.  As you can see, it's very porous, making it easy for the lichens to take hold.

9 comments:

Becky said...

How interesting. I'm wondering how long it will take lichen to grow on the rock?

BNS said...

Hi Becky and Gary - I first saw this wall years ago, and it already had quite a bit of lichen growing on it, so I don't know how long it took to grow. Lichens are known to be one of the first plant types to colonize lava flows after they cool and harden.

Bobbie

Anonymous said...

Okay, I haven't got a clue what lichens are. LOL! I see now from your reply to Becky and Gary.

BNS said...

@ 2Sweet - Lichens are plants -- sort of. Actually, lichens are more like a fungi/algae combination. So -- are you completely confused now???

Bobbie

Anonymous said...

Bobbie - LOL! No, not confused. I get what you're saying.
:-D Thank you!

BNS said...

Hi again, 2Sweet. You know I wouldn't want you to go away confused! ;-}

Bobbie

kml said...

It looks like the same kind we have growing on our trees up here in New England. It must love that lava texture - it looks really healthy!

BNS said...

Hi Kathy - It does look like a healthy batch of lichens, doesn't it? I have no idea if these are the same kinds that grow on trees, fence posts, and other organic material. In fact, I really know nothing much about lichens. I just take their picture! ;-}

Bobbie

Will said...

Great makro pic.

Lava rock looks good covered in a lot of things and is a perfect medium to grow a lot of different plant including my favorites, orchids.