Myriotrema Lichen: A Woodland Wonder You Can’t Plant (But Should Appreciate!)
Ever noticed those crusty, whitish patches on tree bark during your woodland walks? You might be looking at Myriotrema reclusum, commonly known as myriotrema lichen. This fascinating organism isn’t actually a plant at all – it’s a lichen, which makes it a unique partnership between fungi and algae living together in perfect harmony.
What Exactly Is Myriotrema Lichen?
Myriotrema reclusum is a crustose lichen, meaning it forms a crust-like layer that’s tightly attached to its host surface – usually tree bark. This native North American species has been quietly decorating our forests for ages, forming those distinctive whitish to grayish patches you’ve probably walked past countless times without a second glance.
You might also see this lichen referred to by its scientific synonym, Leptotrema reclusum, in older field guides and research papers.
Where Does It Call Home?
This lichen is native to North America, particularly thriving in the humid forests of eastern and southeastern regions. It’s perfectly adapted to our native ecosystems and has been part of the natural landscape long before any of us started thinking about garden design.
How to Spot Myriotrema Lichen in Your Garden
Identifying this lichen is easier than you might think once you know what to look for:
- Look for whitish to light grayish crusty patches on tree bark
- The surface appears somewhat rough and granular
- It forms irregular, spreading patches that seem painted onto the bark
- Most commonly found on deciduous trees in shaded, humid areas
- The edges of the lichen patch often have a slightly raised appearance
Is It Beneficial for Your Garden?
While you can’t exactly plant myriotrema lichen in your garden bed next to your hostas, its presence is actually a wonderful sign! Here’s why you should celebrate finding it:
- Air quality indicator: Lichens are sensitive to air pollution, so their presence suggests you have relatively clean air
- Ecosystem health: They contribute to the overall biodiversity of your woodland garden
- Natural authenticity: Having native lichens adds genuine woodland character to naturalistic landscapes
- Minimal impact: Unlike some organisms, lichens don’t harm their host trees – they’re just hitching a ride
The Reality of Growing Lichens
Here’s the thing about lichens that might surprise you: you can’t really grow them in the traditional gardening sense. Unlike plants, lichens can’t be seeded, transplanted, or propagated through normal gardening methods. They establish themselves naturally when conditions are just right, which includes specific humidity levels, air quality, and suitable substrates.
Instead of trying to cultivate myriotrema lichen, focus on creating the conditions that welcome it:
- Maintain mature trees in shaded areas
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or pesticides near wooded areas
- Keep humidity levels stable by preserving natural forest understory
- Allow natural leaf litter and organic matter to accumulate
Embracing the Wild Side
If you’re lucky enough to have myriotrema lichen naturally occurring in your woodland garden or on mature trees in your landscape, consider it a badge of honor! It means your little corner of the world is healthy enough to support these fascinating organisms.
Rather than trying to control or remove lichens, embrace them as part of your garden’s natural heritage. They’re living proof that your landscape is supporting native biodiversity in ways that go far beyond the plants you’ve consciously chosen to grow.
So next time you’re wandering through your wooded areas, take a moment to appreciate these quiet, crusty companions. They’ve been perfecting the art of sustainable living long before it became trendy – and they’re doing it right on your trees!
