Lichens

New Mexico boasts an intriguing array of lichens that flourish across its varied landscapes, ranging from arid deserts to rugged mountains. These remarkable organisms arise from a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. Lichens exhibit diverse forms, including crustose (crust-like), foliose (leaf-like), and fruticose (shrub-like).

You can observe striking lichens in vibrant hues of orange, yellow, gray, and green, embellishing rocks and trees. Certain species, such as Buellia novomexicana (New Mexican disc lichen), are specifically named in honor of the area. These lichens are vital to the ecosystem, aiding in soil formation and providing habitats for various microorganisms. For those keen on delving deeper into the world of lichens, natural sites in New Mexico present excellent opportunities for exploration.

Common Lichens in New Mexico:

• Common Greenshield Lichen (Flavoparmelia caperata) is a type of lichen that has a light green to yellowish color and is often seen in New Mexico.
• Yellow Cobblestone Lichen, or Acarospora socialis, grows on rocky surfaces and can thrive in different lighting conditions.
• Bristly Beard Lichen, another lichen species, varies in shape and color and is widespread in open coniferous or mixed forests. It prefers acidic bark and is stiff when dry but limp when wet. Lichens are sensitive to air pollution, especially sulfur dioxide and nitrogen compounds, and bioaccumulate heavy metals. They have historically been used as a medicinal herb, vitamin C source, and natural dye for textiles. Researchers have found them suitable for monitoring air pollution. Both species are found in open, sunny areas like fields, forest clearings, trail edges, and roadsides.
• Elegant Sunburst Lichen, scientifically named Rusavskia elegans, forms small groups that can grow up to 2.5 inches wide, developing leaf-like shapes divided into tiny lobes. This species was the first used for lichenometry, a method for estimating the age of exposed rock surfaces. Archaeologists, paleontologists, and geologists use this technique to figure out the age of the specimens they find.