Body Type:
crustose foliose fruticose fruticose-with squamules squamulose
Crustose
Fondly called "Crusties", crustose lichens are often thin and paint-like. Sometimes the paint looks like it was applied by a small enthusiastic child; it is raised and bumpy, with lots of cracks. The common name for this lichen is "fairy barf". Its scientific name is Icmadophila ericetorum; so we gave it another nickname "Icky"

---

Foliose
Foliose lichens have a top and bottom surface, sometimes they are different colors or textures. Some are like lettuce, some are more branchy.

---

Fruticose
Look at this one, there is no top or bottom surface. The Thallus (or lichen body) is the same all around like a fine string. This one hangs pendent, like long necklaces on the tree. In the morning dew it shimmers and glistens in the sunlight.

---

Fruticose-With Squamules
Blank

---

Squamulose
Squamules on Cladonia podetia and the primary thallus beneath the podetia. These squamules are dissected or incised, meaning the margins have lots of breaks and cuts into them. If they were less broken up they would be called entire. Note the white fungal undersurface. There is no cortex on the lower surface.

---