17 Jun 2022

Critter of the Week: Resurrection lichen

From the collecton Critter of the Week

This week’s critter is a true vagabond – it lives its life blowing around in hot, dry lands, going wherever the wind takes it.

Famous (amongst lichenologists) for its powers of resurrection, the native lichen Xanthoparmelia semiviridis looks like a lifeless ball when its dry. But sprinkle it with water and it will unroll within minutes.

Resurrection Lichen

Photo: CC BY-NC greenschist