Leucodermia leucomelos

Leucodermia leucomelos is a species of fruticose lichen in the family Physciaceae, and the type species of the genus Leucodermia. This species is widely distributed in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions, where it grows on both trees and rock faces. The species forms pale, narrow branches 4–8 cm (1+5⁄8–3+1⁄8 in) long that divide repeatedly as they grow. The cream-coloured to whitish branches have distinctive long, dark hairs (cilia) along their edges, and typically grow in loose clusters on trees or rocks. It usually reproduces through powdery patches (soralia) on its lower surface, though it sometimes produces small disc-shaped fruiting bodies (apothecia). The species shows physiological adaptations to different light environments within the same habitat. Populations growing in shaded locations have higher protective mechanisms against sudden light exposure from sunflecks. Meanwhile, populations in sunny areas achieve higher rates of photosynthesis. This adaptability to ......read more on Wikipedia.