catmarincruz's Identifications

Cladonia species lichen
Lago Brown, Aysén Region

Seen in a scree field on a mountain north of the west end of Lago Brown. In an area of scree without trees, lots of shrubs like calafate, zarzaparilla, and Baccharis species. Lots of other lichen on exposed rock. Lichen protruded up like a trumpet, or as someone in our group said the previous day, like Shrek’s ear. Interesting grayish color with a little bit of green tint.

Observed on bare rocks in the alpine area around cerró San Lorenzo. This species was fairly common, especially on larger boulders and in wind protected cliff walls. The only species of fruticose lichen I observed. Body consisted of ridged mint green branches, which tapered to brittle hair-like tendrils near the ends.