A branch of lichens

Lichens aren't plants but rather they are composite organisms made up of a fungus and one or more algae living together. The algal partner produces essential nutrients for the lichen through photosynthesis, while the fungal partner provides the body in which they both live. To my eye they are incredibly beautiful beings, which is fortunate because there are an awful lot of them!

Lichens are very sensitive to air pollution. As a rule of thumb, the smaller the variety of lichens in an area, the more polluted it is. I guess on the basis of this twig we can breath easy in Newburgh on Ythan!