The Art of Noticing: Slowing down to appreciate the world of Fungi, Moss and Lichen
By: Laura D. (she/they) Canyonlands Restoration & Outreach Technician
Photo: collaboration by Restoration and Outreach (detailed below)
Mushrooms display a spectrum of characteristics standing tall above the lush painted moss below them, while delicate lichen adds texture and even more detail. Together they create a captivating snapshot of the diverse and intricate ecosystem thriving in our local canyons, connecting us all. All three of these small life forms can be found to those that take the time to look close, but they are not all the same.
Fungi are single and multicellular organisms that are made up of long thread-like cells called hyphae, mostly underground, that connect to one another creating mycelium. The mycelium then connects to a larger mycorrhizal network that connects to other plants and organisms in the area. The fruiting body of fungi, that we find occasionally, are mushrooms. The mushrooms release spores, similar to seeds in plants; however, these organisms do not photosynthesize, that is why they are not considered plants. Fungi feed by absorption of nutrients from its surroundings, like wood, soil, and other organisms.
A little more simple but not any less important is moss. Moss is simply a plant. A small plant that is just like a tree and wildflowers. However, they do not have a complex tissue structure that can assist with transportation of water and nutrients, so they must remain small and low to their growing point in order to survive. They will photosynthesize and act like a sponge to absorb their much needed water and nutrients.
Lastly there is the complex life form of lichen. Lichen is made of two organisms living in a symbiotic relationship, fungi and alga. Lichen is formed when a fungus covers a colony of algae. The algae provides the fungus with nutrients by photosynthesizing, while the fungus provides the algae protection from the sun and the potential risk of drying out. If the lichen is wet, the color will appear green and/or yellow. But usually lichen is not as vibrant but just as beautiful with muted colors like brown, red, or gray. You can also distinguish lichen by the odd scales and formations it can create on bark, stems, and rocks.
Take a moment next time you are out in your local canyon to look close and slow down. These organisms are easily missed but when you see one, you can usually spot another close by. These images were identified to the best of our ability, but we welcome any further input or suggestions on them all.
(1) awaiting ID - Olivia Canyon by Lucy
(2) Inky Cap - Swan Canyon by Laura
(3) awaiting ID - Gonzales Canyon by Alicia
(4) Short-stalked White russula - Rose Canyon by Natalia
(5) awaiting ID - Olivia Canyon by Brandon
(6) Inky Cap - Swan Canyon by Krystal
(7) awaiting ID - Gonzales Canyon by Alicia
(8) Birds Nest Fungi - Rose Canyon by Laura
(9) Laccaria fraterna Gumtree deceiver &
(10) awaiting ID - Gonzales Canyon by Alicia
(11) awaiting ID - Olivia Canyon by Joey
(12) awaiting ID - Mission Hills Canyon by Brandon