Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Lichen Love.

Years ago, in an old National Geographic, I read about a man and his wife who travel the world researching and photographing lichens. I can think of no job more enticing.

Did you know that before WW2, in Scotland and Ireland, all the good tweeds were dyed using lichens? In huge pots over turf fires. Apparently they imparted brilliant colour and a distinctive earthy aroma. Gives me ALL sorts of ideas...














3 comments:

Leslie said...

Marvelous photos. Some of them look like fan shaped corals. My mom loved lichens and I grew up to love them too. Always spotting them on the edge of a board or under a log. Think I might have to try the dye thing on some ribbons and lace.

Rosie said...

Oooh lichen love.
When I was in varsity, we were taught island biogeography theory in the Bainskloof mountains behind Worcester by looking at lichens. The bigger the rocks, the more lichens, the more different the lichens. But often, the same lichens on small and big rocks. (To bastardize) Evolution. I flipping love lichens.

the sourcerer said...

Let me know if you do Leslie!
Rosie, I wish I'd ended my post with your last sentence...
x