Lichen thrives on bark & branches all around my farm. Contrary to what many think, lichen does no harm to the tree, they simply use the twigs or bark for support, not nutrition. Lichen itself is not a single organism but a fascinating ecosystem made from a fungus, combined with either green algae or a bacterium that contains a blue-green pigment (a cyanobacterium). This combination leads to lichen of many shapes and colours - all amazing to embroider on the sewing machine. Another great fact is that lichen are indicators of pollution so the fact that there are so many on my farm means the air is pretty clean! As lichens are long-lived and sensitive to elements in the environment, they have been used as bioindicators. They have been used to monitor air quality, metal contamination, conservation of woodlands and even the hole in the ozone layer - who knew these weirdly shaped, extraordinarily beautiful structures could be so scientifically useful?
Just for fun, I have created a little lichen on bark piece. So many colour combinations, both on the top-needle and bobbin and so many different layers. I can’t imagine how many stitches are in the small piece!
Lichen on bark 2023