Stereocaulon - Tongass National Forest

Description:

Description: English: Stereocaulon or foam lichens are important primary succession lichens in Alaska and beyond. Most species in this genus contain small pockets of cyanobacteria which provide nitrogen to the lichen symbionts and the surrounding plants via leaching over time. This genus is also an important food for caribou in the winter. Date: 1 December 2017. Source: https://www.facebook.com/TongassNF/photos/a.512861925512537.1073741830.509767092488687/1161587433973313/?type=3&theater. Author: Photo by Forest Ecologist Karen Dillman, at Baird Glacier, Petersburg Ranger District.