This beautiful orange lichen grows on the branches of trees in our area. A classic two-species lichen symbiont. It reproduces by releasing spores from asci.
As epiphytic lichens are known to be sensitive to phytotoxic gases (gases that are toxic to plants) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (atmospheric pollutants), they are often used to monitor the presence of pollutants in an urban areas.
Ball moss (Tillandsia recurvata) harness all the nutrients and water it needs from the air. It obtains nitrogen from bacteria, and other minerals largely from blown dust.
Ball moss grows well in areas with low light, little airflow, and high humidity, which is commonly provided by southern shade trees, often the southern live oak.
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