Found a rather gnarled tree growing on the edge of a beach a few miles from here. Not only was it gnarled but it was also the only tree covered with "Old Man's Beard" in the area.Got curious so went looking on the internet. "Old Man's Beard" is a type of "Lichen" which is a complex partnership between fungi and algae. It has many traditional uses, fabric dye, tender for starting fires, food and nesting material for forest animals to mention a few. Apparently it does not hurt the tree it grows on either as it only grows on the tree and not into it. Lichen only needs moist air and sunlight to grow. And lastly lichen will not grow where the air quality is bad, like the preverbal canary in the coal mine of air quality... Interesting.
Very, very, nice photo! Well composed and presented.
ReplyDeleteEducational and informative text as well. Good work Professor!
This "old Man's Beard" reminds me of what is called "Spanish Moss" in the South.
This is a cool picture. I love the tree. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteA black and white version would make a great "spooky" type picture for halloween. Do they have halloween up your way?
I'm with Parker on the old man's beard, in Mississippi they call it Spanish Moss. It looks like it's the same stuff.
Very interesting tree! You have done a good job on composition of this picture, and the DOF. There's no way I could achieved this DOF without a tripod. Good Work!
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