Lichens

Lichens

Quick Facts

Location:

Caprock Coulee Trail

The bright-colored splashes on the tree trunks are lichens (pronounced li-kens). Lichens consist of two different organisms – fungi and algae. The two live together in a balanced relationship as if they were one organism. The alga makes food, while the fungus gathers and holds water for both organisms. Lichens can be indicators of changes in the environment; some species are sensitive to changes in air quality.