Jelly Lichen: The Fascinating Collema polycarpon in Your Garden
Have you ever noticed those dark, crusty patches that seem to magically appear on rocks, soil, or even tree bark after a good rain? If they transform from brittle, blackish crusts into gelatinous, olive-green blobs when wet, you’ve likely encountered jelly lichen (Collema polycarpon) – one of nature’s most intriguing organisms!
What Exactly Is Jelly Lichen?
Before we dive in, let’s clear up a common misconception: lichens aren’t plants at all! Collema polycarpon is actually a fascinating partnership between a fungus and an algae (or sometimes cyanobacteria), working together in perfect harmony. This remarkable organism is native to North America and can be found naturally occurring across the continent, particularly in western and northern regions.
You might also see this species referred to by its scientific synonyms, Synechoblastus polycarpus or Synechoblastus wyomingensis, in older field guides or research papers.
Identifying Jelly Lichen in Your Space
Spotting Collema polycarpon is easier than you might think, once you know what to look for:
- Color: Dark olive-green to blackish when moist, becoming darker and more brittle when dry
- Texture: The real giveaway – it becomes distinctly gelatinous and jelly-like when wet
- Location: Look for it on soil, rocks, tree bark, or other natural surfaces
- Size: Forms patches or crusts of varying sizes
- Seasonal changes: Most noticeable after rain or during humid conditions
Is Jelly Lichen Beneficial for Your Garden?
While you can’t exactly plant jelly lichen like you would a tomato, its presence in your garden is actually a wonderful sign! Here’s why you should celebrate finding it:
Air Quality Indicator: Lichens are incredibly sensitive to air pollution. Finding Collema polycarpon naturally occurring in your space means you have relatively clean air – something both you and your plants can appreciate.
Ecosystem Health: These organisms contribute to soil formation and nutrient cycling, slowly breaking down substrates and adding organic matter to the ecosystem.
Minimal Impact: Unlike invasive species, jelly lichen won’t compete with your garden plants or take over your landscape. It quietly does its work in the background.
Can You Encourage Jelly Lichen?
While you can’t plant or cultivate jelly lichen in the traditional sense, you can create conditions that might encourage its natural occurrence:
- Maintain clean air quality around your property
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or pesticides that might harm these sensitive organisms
- Leave some natural, undisturbed areas with rocks, logs, or bare soil
- Ensure adequate moisture and humidity in natural areas
What If You Find It in Your Garden?
If you discover jelly lichen growing naturally in your garden, consider yourself lucky! Simply leave it alone and let it continue its quiet work. There’s no need to remove it, and in fact, doing so would eliminate a beneficial organism that’s contributing to your local ecosystem’s health.
Remember, the presence of Collema polycarpon is a sign that your garden environment is supporting diverse life forms – from the microscopic partnerships within the lichen itself to the broader ecosystem it indicates. Sometimes the most fascinating garden inhabitants are the ones we never planned to invite!
