Leafy
Lichen
Lichen does not harm their tree hosts in any way.
It is a valuable food source for deer, as well as providing nesting material
for birds. Lichens are a combination
of a fungus and an algae
that exist together to form a distinct organism. They are a classic example
of a relationship called “mutualism”.
Both organisms benefit, the algae
produces the food while the fungus provides support.
