Lichen World

Lichens are a symbiosis of two or more organisms in one. The bulk of a lichen is a fungus, the mycobiont, embedded within the fabric of which are tiny photosynthesizing cells of algae and/or cyanobacteria, the photobionts.

Lichens are extraordinarily diverse in their choice of ideal environment for optimum growth, varying from arid inland Australia to wave swept rocks they are particularly abundant in both number and diversity in the temperate rainforests of Eastern Australia.

The lichen flora of Australia and its territories includes 4088 species in 502 genera, showing a vast array of morphological variation.

My interest in lichens is based not only on their unique scientific story, but also their wonderful beauty of form and colour.