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LichensLichensMicrobiology 2314

CharacteristicsCharacteristics

• Associated Organism

• Thallus (Mass of Hyphae Grasping Algae)

• Symbiotic Relationship

• Lichenized

• Pioneers in New Environments

• Long Lifespan (9000 Years Old)

Crustose (Crusty)Crustose (Crusty)

Flat Edges

Unlobed

Closely Attached to Substrate

Foliose Foliose (Leafy)(Leafy)

Sandwich of Fungal Layer with Algal Mat in Middle

Circular Growth

Lobes

Rootlets Called Rhizines

Foliose Lichen

Fructicose Fructicose (Shrubby)(Shrubby)

Round Branches

Vertical Growth Pattern

Globets

Threads

Shrub-like or Mounded

Beard-like

Leprose (Powdery)Leprose (Powdery)

Powdery Masses with Little or No Organized Structure

SquamuloseSquamulose

Similar to Crustose, but with Raised Edges which can be Folded or Lobe-Like.

An Early Bioindicator – A Canary An Early Bioindicator – A Canary in a Mine in a Mine

British LichenBritish Lichen

BioindicatorBioindicator

• Air Pollution

• Sulfur Dioxide

• Toxic Elemental Pollutants

• Radioactive Metals

• Heavy Metals

• Ozone

England and WalesEngland and Wales• Loss of 1/3 of Lichens Due to Sulfur Dioxide Emissions

Northern SiberiaNorthern SiberiaLichen species have fallen from 50 to 3. Wind currents carried high levels of radiation from the 1986 nuclear reactor explosion in Chernobyl (Ukraine) across Europe and into Arctic regions. This radiation irradiated lichens and mushrooms that died or were then eaten by the reindeer population in the region. The reindeer plays a significant role in the culture and diet of the Sami people. The Sami peoples’ reindeer continue to accumulate such high radioactivity levels that the reindeers’ diets still have to be altered to keep their meat safe for human consumption. In this manner Chernobyl, an event that occurred 1,000 miles to the south of the Arctic, was devastating to the livelihoods and cultural traditions of the Sami people.

AlaskaAlaska

Air Pollution Air Pollution Leads to Acid RainLeads to Acid Rain

1. First Loss -- Birches and Conifers

2. Next on -- Oaks and Sycamores

3. Finally -- Elm

Wolf LichenWolf Lichen

"Wolf lichen" (Letharia vulpina) was the most widely used dye lichen for native peoples in North America

The Apache painted wolf-lichen crosses on their feet so they could pass their enemies unseen.

Tribes (the Gitksan) in British Columbia associated the lichen Lobaria pulmonaria with frogs and used it in a spring bathing ritual to bring health and long life.

Wolf lichen is poisonous. Its name reflects its traditional use in northern Europe as a poison. It was mixed with ground glass and meat and used to kill wolves. The lichen contains vulpinic acid and is toxic, although it is not clear if the ground glass may have been enough to do the job. Perhaps it caused stomach perforations and allowed the vulpinic acid to be readily absorbed. The Achomawi Tribe in California used it (sometimes with rattlesnake venom added) to make poison arrowheads.  

Some dyes are extracted by boiling the lichens in water; others by fermenting the lichens in ammonia. The Chilkat Tlingit traditionally dyed their prized dancing blankets with "wolf lichen" (Letharia vulpina). They traded valuable coastal commodities such as fish grease to groups in the interior in exchange for the lichens.

The unique biochemical compounds produced by lichens have made them useful to people in traditional cultures as dyes and medicines for generations.

Before weaving a rug or blanket, members of the Ramah Navajo Weavers Association raise and shear their own sheep, spin the yarns, and dye them with vegetal dyes. The warm browns in this skein of yarn and these weavings come from "ground lichen" (Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa), shown loose in the basket.

In the former Soviet Far East, Usnea filipendula was used as a powder to treat wounds. When it was tested for antibacterial activity, the results were quite positive. The lichen compound usnic acid (in extracts of Usnea species) has been used recently in antibiotic salves, deodorants, and herbal tinctures.

Species of Usnea are used in Chinese medicine, contemporary homeopathic medicine, and traditional medicine in the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, and every continent except Australia.Many other lichens have been used medicinally, and it is estimated that about 50% of all lichen species have antibiotic properties. Research to develop pharmaceuticals from lichens continues, especially in Japan.

Bryoria fremontii (sometimes called "tree hair lichen", "black tree lichen", or "edible horsehair")

This is the most widely used edible lichen in North America. In some traditional societies it was a delicacy, and in others it was a famine food.

The NLaka'pamux (Thompson Indians) and the Lillooet peoples in British Columbia made shoes and clothes from this material.

A Secwempec (Shuswap) elder near Kamloops, British Columbia, placing soaked Bryoria fremontii into a pit oven for cooking.

A few groups used this lichen medicinally: the Okanagan-Colville mixed dried lichen with grease and rubbed it on the navels of newborn babies; the Nez Perce used it to treat digestive troubles; and the Atsugewi (Pit River) applied it as a poultice to reduce swellings.It is eaten in winter by large ungulates, from woodland caribou to deer, and, in the forests east of the Cascades, it is used by the northern flying squirrel for food and nesting material.

Lobaria linita, or "cabbage lungwort", shown very wet, on a mossy embankment near Juneau, Alaska. This lichen is eaten by mountain goats in southeastern Alaska.

"Witch's hair" – In the winter when other forage is buried under snow, white-tailed deer in the Northwest eat witch's hair that has blown down from the treetops during storms. This lichen was valued as fiber in traditional cultures in the Northwest. It was used as bandages, baby diapers, feminine hygiene supplies, and even as raw material for ponchos and footwear (Lillooet). It made good artificial hair for decorating dance masks. 

Oak Moss LichenOak Moss LichenAt one time, "Oakmoss lichen" was made into jelly in Turkey, and it was also imported into Egypt to be baked in bread.

Oakmoss lichen is an important ingredient in fine perfumes. It is harvested commercially in large quantities in south-central Europe.

Known as a vagrant lichen because it grows loose on the ground, "ground lichen" (Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa) is free to wander on the wind.